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 African Union has endorsed a campaign to end the use of the Mercator map, saying it distorts Africa’s true size and reinforces outdated stereotypes.
Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has called on Russia to guarantee it will not interfere in Hungary’s politics, saying any future cooperation depends on respecting the country’s sovereignty.
Global investors are eyeing defence and energy sectors as European leaders rally behind Ukraine amid signs the U.S. may push Kyiv to accept a peace deal favourable to Russia.
Russia offered concessions on all five occupied Ukrainian regions during the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska, and the U.S. may provide direct security guarantees to Ukraine, a senior American envoy has said.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck 56 kilometres east of Gorgan in northern Iran early Sunday morning, according to preliminary seismic data.
A deadly heatwave has claimed 1,180 lives in Spain since May, with elderly people most at risk, prompting calls for urgent social support.
Media accreditation is now open for COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, set to take place in Belém, Brazil in 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump may offer NATO-like protection for Ukraine, a move that Russia is open to, according to his top foreign policy aide. The suggestion comes ahead of talks in Washington with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders on possible security guarantees.
A 5.8-magnitude undersea earthquake hit Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on Sunday, injuring 29 people and damaging buildings, including a church where worshippers were gathered.
Three men have been killed and nine others wounded in a gang-related shooting at a crowded nightclub in Brooklyn, despite New York City recording historic lows in gun violence this year.
The African Union has endorsed a campaign to end the use of the Mercator map, saying it distorts Africa’s true size and reinforces outdated stereotypes.
Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has called on Russia to guarantee it will not interfere in Hungary’s politics, saying any future cooperation depends on respecting the country’s sovereignty.
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