Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has ruled out a swift reform of the country’s debt brake and expressed caution over the possibility of securing parliamentary approval for a large-scale military spending boost.
Speaking on Tuesday (February 25), Merz emphasized that changes to Germany’s borrowing limits are not on the agenda in the near future. "It is out of the question that we will reform the debt brake anytime soon. If it happens at all, it will require extensive and difficult work," he stated.
With Donald Trump’s return to the White House raising concerns over European defense capabilities, discussions on increasing Germany’s military budget have gained urgency. The government is reportedly considering a special fund for this purpose, with sources within Merz’s party suggesting the amount could reach hundreds of billions of euros.
However, when asked whether this could be pushed through the outgoing parliament, Merz remained cautious. "We are talking to each other, but it is far too early to say anything about it now. I see it as very difficult at the moment," he said.
Merz, whose conservative bloc won Sunday’s (February 23) national elections but fell short of a majority, now faces challenging coalition talks. With far-right and far-left parties gaining traction, forming a stable government will require careful negotiations.
Despite the uncertainties, Merz reaffirmed his readiness to take on the role of chancellor, stating: "You know that we are prepared to lead such a government. But all this requires a well-negotiated coalition agreement with the SPD. I still believe we can reach a good agreement within a reasonable timeframe and have a functioning majority government in parliament by Easter."
Merz received a standing ovation from members of the CDU and CSU during a parliamentary meeting, signaling strong support from within his party as he prepares for the next phase of government formation.
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The world remains far off track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, according to the 16th edition of the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report, released this week.
David Beckham, one of Britain's most celebrated soccer players, was knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, recognising his decades-long contribution to sport and charitable causes.
The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi that hit the central Philippines on Tuesday has risen to 39 on the island of Cebu, a local government official said.
Voters in New Jersey and Virginia will choose their next governors on Tuesday in two crucial races that will serve as an early indicator of how the American electorate is responding to President Donald Trump's unprecedented nine months in office.
Russia said on Monday that its troops had advanced in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a transport and logistics hub that they have been trying to capture for over a year, but Ukraine said its forces were holding on.
At least 37 people have died and five are missing after devastating floods and landslides hit central Vietnam, officials said Monday, as a new typhoon threatens to worsen the disaster.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not believe the United States is going to war with Venezuela despite growing tensions, though he suggested President Nicolás Maduro’s time in power may be nearing its end.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 struck near the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e Sharif early on Monday, leaving at least 20 people dead, hundreds injured, and causing significant damage to the city’s famed Blue Mosque, authorities said, warning that the death toll was expected to rise.
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan vowed on Monday to move on from deadly protests set off by last week's disputed election as she was sworn into office for her first elected term.
Russia remains in constant contact with Venezuela over tensions in the Caribbean, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying on Tuesday.
The death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi that hit the central Philippines on Tuesday has risen to 39 on the island of Cebu, a local government official said.
Voters in New Jersey and Virginia will choose their next governors on Tuesday in two crucial races that will serve as an early indicator of how the American electorate is responding to President Donald Trump's unprecedented nine months in office.
Former U.S. President George W Bush has reacted to the death of Dick Cheney in an emotional tribute, calling his passing "a loss to the nation and sorrow to friends".
A Romanian worker trapped for hours under the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower near the Colosseum in central Rome has died, Italian and Romanian authorities said on Tuesday.
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