News on this topic
Union inquiry on NGOs: Federal government sends clear response to CDU motion: The CDU/CSU insinuates that state-funded organizations do not maintain the ...
n-tv.de/politik/Bundesregierung-schickt-deutliche-Antwort-auf-CDU-Antrag-article25625708.html
Union inquiry on NGOs: Federal government sends clear response to CDU ...
Federal government defends state NGO funding: The CDU/CSU drew sharp criticism in February with its parliamentary question on several NGOs. Now, in its response ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/ngo-regierung-antwort-anfrage-100.html
Federal government defends state NGO funding
551 questions from the Union on NGOs: An answer like a slap in the face: The Union faction wanted to find out whether the state supports organizations that ...
sueddeutsche.de/politik/ngo-kleine-anfrage-union-antwort-bundesregierung-li.3218216
551 questions from the Union on NGOs: An answer like a slap in the face
More articles on this subject
Answer to 551 questions about NGOs: Take that, Union: The CDU/CSU targeted left-wing civil society with 551 questions. The taz newspaper has the federal ...
taz.de/Antwort-auf-551-Fragen-zu-NGOs/!6071785/
Answer to 551 questions about NGOs: Take that, Union
Bundestag votes for financial package - | What the approval means for Germany: The billion-euro debt package agreed upon by the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens has been ...
saechsische.de/politik/bundestag-stimmt-fuer-milliardenschweres-finanzpaket-W7X2PFANKBA3BH6JRC62AWI5QE.html
Bundestag votes for financial package - | What the approval means for ...
Quick Glance: Bundestag Approves Financial Package for Security and Investment
  • The Bundestag approved the financial package from the Union and SPD with 513 votes in favor, surpassing the required two-thirds majority of 489 votes.

  • The vote took place in the old Bundestag to secure the Greens' support, which ultimately agreed despite initial reservations.

  • Friedrich Merz highlighted the package's importance for Germany's security and infrastructure modernization, while critics from the AfD, FDP, and Left voiced strong objections.

  • The package includes the establishment of a special fund of 500 billion euros for infrastructure and climate neutrality investments, but the Bundesrat's approval is still pending.
Merz wants to review social spending: | "We are now facing tough decisions": The billion-euro package has been approved, and Merz can breathe a sigh of relief ...
n-tv.de/politik/Wir-stehen-jetzt-vor-harten-Entscheidungen-article25638941.html
Merz wants to review social spending: |
United Nations: Baerbock to become President of the UN General Assembly: Annalena Baerbock is still Foreign Minister, but she could soon be working in New York: ...
zeit.de/politik/2025-03/baerbock-praesidentin-generalversammlung-vereinte-nationen
United Nations: Baerbock to become President of the UN General Assembly
Quick Glance: Baerbock Nominated for UN General Assembly Presidency
  • Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is set to be nominated as Germany's candidate for the presidency of the UN General Assembly for 2025/26.

  • A formal cabinet decision is expected on Thursday; Baerbock will be elected in June and assume office in September.

  • The nomination emphasizes Germany's commitment to the United Nations and aims to strengthen its candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council.

  • Baerbock has declined to run for the Green party leadership to spend more time with her family.
Julia Klöckner: Why her?: Schäuble, Lammert, Süssmuth: When it came to the second-highest office in the state, the CDU/CSU relied on excellence ...
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-03/julia-kloeckner-bundestagspraesidentin-amt-herausforderung-afd
Julia Klöckner: Why her?
Judge finds Elon Musk and DOGE's shutdown of USAID likely unconstitutional: U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled in favor of a group of more than two dozen ...
cbsnews.com/news/judge-finds-doges-usaid-shutdown-likely-unconstitutional/
Judge finds Elon Musk and DOGE's shutdown of USAID likely unconstitutional
Quick Glance: Judge Halts Musk's Cuts to USAID Amid Constitutional Concerns
  • A federal judge has blocked Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency from further attempts to shut down USAID, stating that their actions likely violate the U.S. Constitution.

  • Judge Theodore Chuang ordered Musk and his team to restore access to USAID's computer systems for employees who were placed on leave.

  • The lawsuit by current and former USAID employees claims Musk acted as a U.S. officer, violating constitutional requirements.

  • While mass terminations of USAID staff were not halted, Chuang acknowledged that these actions were likely unconstitutional but approved by unnamed government officials.
European leaders warn Putin’s talk of peace is a mirage: Allies voice deep skepticism as Trump and Putin hold a 90-minute call.
politico.eu/article/europe-leaders-vladimir-putin-foreign-affairs-dealmaker-white-house/
European leaders warn Putin’s talk of peace is a mirage
Constitutional amendment passed: This is what the old Bundestag's billion-dollar package contains
n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Das-steckt-im-Milliardenpaket-des-alten-Bundestages-article25638925.html
Constitutional amendment passed: This is what the old Bundestag's ...
Baerbock: Federal government wants to nominate Greens as candidate for top position at the United Nations
welt.de/politik/ausland/article255731720/Baerbock-Bundesregierung-will-Gruene-als-Kandidatin-fuer-Top-Position-bei-den-Vereinten-Nationen-nominieren.html
Baerbock: Federal government wants to nominate Greens as candidate for top ...
Quick Glance: Baerbock's Candidacy for UN General Assembly Presidency
  • Annalena Baerbock is set to potentially become President of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, following her nomination by the German government.

  • Her election is anticipated for early June 2025, and she will resign from her Bundestag mandate upon assuming office.

  • While lacking direct decision-making power, Baerbock may influence key UN discussions and use this role as a stepping stone for further political opportunities.

  • Russia has expressed objections to Baerbock's candidacy, while the German government views the nomination as a commitment to the UN.
Comment: Money alone does not make a good chancellor: Merz got the financial package through the Bundestag. But he still has a lot to learn as a tactical ...
handelsblatt.com/meinung/kommentare/kommentar-geld-allein-macht-noch-keinen-guten-kanzler/100114329.html
Comment: Money alone does not make a good chancellor
Mega debt deal: Voters hopefully won't forget this day.: No chancellor has ever paid as high a price for forming a government as Friedrich Merz ...
welt.de/debatte/plus255729496/Mega-Schuldendeal-Die-Waehler-werden-diesen-Tag-hoffentlich-nicht-vergessen.html
Mega debt deal: Voters hopefully won't forget this day.
Two-thirds majority achieved! Path cleared for financial package - but there is still a hurdle
derwesten.de/politik/finanzpaket-koalition-abstimmung-bundestag-id301485657.html
Two-thirds majority achieved! Path cleared for financial package - but ...
Amendments to the Basic Law: Bundestag votes for debt package from the CDU/CSU and SPD
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2025-03/bundestag-stimmt-fuer-schuldenpaket-von-union-und-spd
Amendments to the Basic Law: Bundestag votes for debt package from the ...
Labor and the Coalition are demonising a hung parliament but they’ll only have themselves to blame if it happens
abc.net.au/news/2025-03-18/hung-parliament-independents-crossbenchers-election/105062236
Labor and the Coalition are demonising a hung parliament but they’ll only ...
Merz collects next promise: There should be no climate money - "currently not on the agenda"
fr.de/wirtschaft/trotz-steigendem-co-preis-cdu-will-kein-klimageld-derzeit-nicht-auf-der-tagesordnung-zr-93632490.html
Merz collects next promise: There should be no climate money -
Vote on defense and debt brake: This is how Saxony's MPs voted: The defense fund and amendments to the Basic Law were approved by a large majority in the ...
saechsische.de/politik/regional/abstimmung-ueber-schuldenbremse-so-haben-sich-sachsens-abgeordnete-entschieden-KC6SIHQ5DRCR7FQFXTHXQZGHOU.html
Vote on defense and debt brake: This is how Saxony's MPs voted
Federal Constitutional Court: Karlsruhe rejects urgent applications against the financial package
wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/bundesverfassungsgericht-karlsruhe-weist-eilantraege-gegen-finanzpaket-ab/100114496.html
Federal Constitutional Court: Karlsruhe rejects urgent applications ...
Merz's difficult path to the Chancellery: The Bundestag has voted for the amendment to the Basic Law and investments worth billions ...
sueddeutsche.de/politik/cdu-spd-bundestag-bundesrat-li.3221481
Merz's difficult path to the Chancellery
Friedrich Merz has deceived his voters: The CDU leader has promised Germans a change in conservative politics with solid public finances ...
nzz.ch/der-andere-blick/friedrich-merz-hat-seine-waehler-getaeuscht-ld.1875800
Friedrich Merz has deceived his voters
Nord Stream pipeline: CDU negotiator Bareiß advocates for Russian gas: Thomas Bareiß is currently conducting coalition negotiations for the CDU. At the same time ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/nord-stream-pipeline-cdu-verhandler-bareiss-wirbt-fuer-russisches-gas/100114354.html
Nord Stream pipeline: CDU negotiator Bareiß advocates for Russian gas
Baerbock to become President of the UN General Assembly: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is set to be given a top position at the United Nations in New York ...
tagesschau.de/eilmeldung/eilmeldung-8506.html
Baerbock to become President of the UN General Assembly
Baerbock to become President of the UN General Assembly: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is to be given a top position at the United Nations after leaving the ...
noz.de/deutschland-welt/politik/artikel/baerbock-soll-praesidentin-der-un-generalversammlung-werden-48494737
Baerbock to become President of the UN General Assembly
What happens to stocks if the Merz plan fails in the Bundestag?: The planned special fund of the CDU/CSU and SPD has not yet been passed by the Bundestag ...
capital.de/geld-versicherungen/was-passiert-mit-aktien--wenn-der-merz-plan-im-bundestag-scheitert--35558718.html
What happens to stocks if the Merz plan fails in the Bundestag?
Live stream: Bundestag votes on the debt package: A lot is at stake for the likely future Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) in the Bundestag this Tuesday: The ...
donaukurier.de/nachrichten/politik/im-livestream-bundestag-stimmt-ueber-das-schuldenpaket-ab-18221525
Live stream: Bundestag votes on the debt package
Interview: "We reject a blank check for rearmament": From nowhere to her party's star: Heidi Reichinnek speaks in an interview about the Left Party's ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/interview-wir-lehnen-einen-blankoscheck-fuer-aufruestung-ab/100113463.html
Interview:
CDU wants Klöckner as President of the Bundestag: Who is the former wine queen?: If the CDU/CSU parties have their way, Julia Klöckner should head parliament in ...
nzz.ch/international/cdu-will-kloeckner-als-bundestagspraesidentin-wer-ist-die-fruehere-weinkoenigin-ld.1875915
CDU wants Klöckner as President of the Bundestag: Who is the former wine ...
"We have nothing in common with your worldview": The entire speech by Merz in the video
stern.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-attackiert-afd-im-bundestag---ganze-rede-im-video-35561204.html
Germany's Bundestag votes in favor of reforming 'debt brake': The multibillion-euro package loosens borrowing limits and allows new investments in defense ...
dw.com/en/just-in-germanys-parliament-votes-in-favor-of-changing-the-constitution-to-reform-the-debt-brake-in-order-to-spend-more-on-defense/live-71956815
Germany's Bundestag votes in favor of reforming 'debt brake'
After the federal election: Decision with historic dimensions: Bundestag votes for debt package
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/nach-der-bundestagswahl-entscheidung-mit-historischer-dimension-bundestag-stimmt-fuer-schuldenpaket-103658792
After the federal election: Decision with historic dimensions: Bundestag ...
Merz promotes debt package in the Bundestag - | AfD is a massive disruption: Friedrich Merz can breathe a sigh of relief: he was able to secure a two-thirds ...
morgenpost.de/politik/article408461081/bundestag-news-aktuell-koalition-sondervermoegen-schuldenbremse-merz.html
Merz promotes debt package in the Bundestag - | AfD is a massive ...
Better thorough than fast: Merz dampens expectations of a speedy government formation
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-bremst-Erwartungen-an-zuegige-Regierungsbildung-article25635904.html
Better thorough than fast: Merz dampens expectations of a speedy ...
Financial package: Three amendments to the Basic Law with billions of dollars in consequences
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/finanzpaket-drei-grundgesetzaenderungen-mit-billionenschweren-folgen/100114531.html
Financial package: Three amendments to the Basic Law with billions of ...
Pension savings "necessary" - | CDU negotiator suggests "higher deductions": CDU coalition negotiator Nacke calls for benefit cuts or higher deductions in ...
az-online.de/politik/weniger-leitung-hoehere-abschlaege-cdu-arbeitnehmerchef-fordert-rentenaenderung-zr-93631838.html
Pension savings
Merz wins power poker, but the CDU leader is far from the winner: The Bundestag has decided: The Basic Law will be changed, and Germany is accumulating a ...
schwaebische.de/politik/merz-gewinnt-machtpoker-aber-der-sieger-ist-der-cdu-chef-noch-lange-nicht-3422857
Merz wins power poker, but the CDU leader is far from the winner
‘Peace in Our Time’ Schumer Proved He’s Not the Leader We Need to Save Our Democracy
commondreams.org/opinion/schumer-not-leader-need
‘Peace in Our Time’ Schumer Proved He’s Not the Leader We Need to Save Our ...
Quick Glance: Schumer Cancels Book Tour Amid Protest Backlash
  • Senator Chuck Schumer postponed a promotional book tour due to security concerns following his support for a Republican government funding bill.

  • Democratic activists are protesting outside his home, demanding his resignation while he defends his decision.

  • Schumer warned that a government shutdown could allow the executive branch to determine essential programs.

  • His actions have led to unrest within the Democratic Party, with prominent figures expressing criticism.
No more individual case calculations: Union wants to save on the "bureaucratic monster" of citizen's income
n-tv.de/politik/Union-will-am-Buerokratiemonster-Buergergeld-sparen-article25636311.html
No more individual case calculations: Union wants to save on the ...
All motions against the vote on the billions in debt between the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party rejected
focus.de/politik/deutschland/bundestagswahl/koalitionsgespraeche-im-newsticker-alle-antraege-gegen-abstimmung-ueber-schwarz-rote-milliardenschulden-abgelehnt_id_260760610.html
All motions against the vote on the billions in debt between the Christian ...
Everyone against Merz: "Intoxicated" and "invertebrate" CDU leader in political storm
schwaebische.de/politik/alle-gegen-merz-berauschter-und-wirbelloser-cdu-chef-im-politischen-sturm-3420773
Everyone against Merz:
'Null and void': Trump says Biden 'autopen' pardons are no good: The former president signed a batch of preemptive pardons before leaving office ...
usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/17/trump-autopen-biden-pardons/82487435007/
'Null and void': Trump says Biden 'autopen' pardons are no good
Quick Glance: Trump Challenges Biden's Pardons as Invalid
  • President Trump questioned the legitimacy of Biden's preemptive pardons for Jan. 6 committee members, citing their use of an autopen for signatures.

  • Legal experts believe Trump's reasoning lacks merit and that a court would likely not permit a president to revoke a predecessor's pardons.

  • Trump alleged on social media that committee members were accountable for the pardons without Biden's consent.

  • Legal analysts caution that pursuing legal action against individuals who have been pardoned could lead to substantial costs and stress, regardless of the outcomes in court.
Friedrich Merz appears confident of victory, but gives a gloomy prognosis: Before the Bundestag vote on the financial package with massive debts ...
schwaebische.de/politik/friedrich-merz-zeigt-sich-siegesgewiss-aber-gibt-eine-duestere-prognose-ab-3420339
Friedrich Merz appears confident of victory, but gives a gloomy prognosis
Former CDU General Secretary: Mario Czaja does not agree to financial package: Mario Czaja temporarily held an important CDU office under Friedrich Merz ...
rundschau-online.de/politik/ex-cdu-generalsekretaer-mario-czaja-stimmt-finanzpaket-nicht-zu-986580
Former CDU General Secretary: Mario Czaja does not agree to financial ...
Quick Glance: Political Shifts: Focus on FDP, Union, and Greens
  • Mario Czaja, former CDU Secretary-General, opposes the financial package from Union and SPD, stating it is unjust for future generations and signals a loss of trust in democracy.

  • Christian Dürr aims to become the FDP chair, emphasizing the need for economic and social freedom to revitalize the party after its poor election results.

  • The Greens demand that the new governing coalition adhere to climate reforms while criticizing the obstructionist stance of Union and FDP that hampers necessary reforms.

  • The coalition negotiations face challenges, particularly regarding the citizenship law, which could lead to increased immigration.
"He knew nothing": Trump declares Biden pardons "invalid": Shortly before the end of his term, Joe Biden pardons several people - | sometimes even preemptively ...
n-tv.de/politik/Trump-erklaert-Biden-Begnadigungen-fuer-ungueltig-article25635301.html
Bundestag ahead of debt session ++ FDP wants to overturn debt package with constitutional complaint in Karlsruhe ++ Live ticker - | WELT
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article255724698/Bundestag-vor-Schulden-Sitzung-FDP-will-Schuldenpaket-mit-Verfassungsklage-in-Karlsruhe-kippen-Liveticker.html
Bundestag ahead of debt session ++ FDP wants to overturn debt package with ...
Berlin visit: Macron travels to Berlin in the middle of his "told-you-so moment": Many of French President Macron's ideas, which are now considered ...
welt.de/politik/ausland/plus255726912/Berlin-Besuch-Mitten-in-seinem-told-you-so-moment-reist-Macron-nach-Berlin.html
Berlin visit: Macron travels to Berlin in the middle of his
Letter to Merz: CDU/CSU women want half the power: Women are clearly in the minority in the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Now they are demanding that Friedrich ...
taz.de/Brief-an-Merz/!6076628/
Letter to Merz: CDU/CSU women want half the power
Constitutional Court: Emergency motions against vote rejected: The way is clear for the vote on the billion-euro package: The Federal Constitutional Court ...
zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/deutschland/bundesverfassungsgericht-eilantrag-bundestag-ablehnung-100.html
Constitutional Court: Emergency motions against vote rejected
CSU and Free Voters agree: Bavaria to vote for debt package in the Bundesrat: Hubert Aiwanger relents: The CSU and Free Voters have agreed to support the ...
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/csu-und-freie-waehler-einig-bayern-will-im-bundesrat-fuer-schuldenpaket-stimmen-a-880c0e76-a42b-459c-97fa-ac5bfec34dce
CSU and Free Voters agree: Bavaria to vote for debt package in the ...
Quick Glance: Bavaria Backs Financial Package in Federal Council
  • The Bavarian government will approve the debt package in the Federal Council, as announced by CSU and Free Voters after a crisis meeting.

  • This approval is crucial, as Bavaria’s six votes are needed to reach the two-thirds majority required in the Federal Council.

  • Minister-President Markus Söder had previously announced Bavaria's support, despite initial skepticism from the Free Voters regarding the financial volume.

  • Bavaria plans to outline its positions in a protocol statement, including its rejection of the term climate neutrality as a constitutional mandate.
What does the CDU/CSU financial package mean for climate policy?: The Greens have negotiated significant changes to climate policy into the debt-financed ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/finanzpaket-klimapolitik-100.html
What does the CDU/CSU financial package mean for climate policy?
Have the Greens ripped off the CDU/CSU with regard to its climate target?: There is a debate about whether Germany should stop pumping more greenhouse gases into ...
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/haben-die-gruenen-die-union-beim-klimaziel-ueber-den-tisch-gezogen-106698240
Have the Greens ripped off the CDU/CSU with regard to its climate target?
Ricarda Lang responds harshly to Thomas Bareiß's Nordstream idea: Green Party member Ricarda Lang responds to CDU MP Thomas Bareiß's proposal to put the ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/ricarda-lang-antwortet-harsch-auf-nordstream-idee-von-thomas-bareiss-35558976.html
Ricarda Lang responds harshly to Thomas Bareiß's Nordstream idea
Before the debate in the Bundestag: CDU/CSU and SPD promise savings: Before the vote on special funds and the debt brake, pressure is growing on the black-red ...
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/vor-der-debatte-im-bundestag-union-und-spd-versprechen-einsparungen-106693244
Before the debate in the Bundestag: CDU/CSU and SPD promise savings
Top positions already filled? Merz proposes Klöckner for this high office.: Julia Klöckner from Rhineland-Palatinate is to occupy the second-highest state office ...
schwaebische.de/politik/top-posten-schon-vergeben-merz-schlaegt-kloeckner-fuer-dieses-hohe-amt-vor-3420102
Top positions already filled? Merz proposes Klöckner for this high office.
Study complains about too much bureaucracy: How the CDU/CSU wants to overhaul the citizen's income
n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Wie-die-Union-das-Buergergeld-umkrempeln-will-article25635874.html
Study complains about too much bureaucracy: How the CDU/CSU wants to ...
State Parliament: AfD announces special plenary session on the planned financial package
mz.de/panorama/afd-kundigt-sonderplenum-zum-geplanten-finanzpaket-an-4017054
State Parliament: AfD announces special plenary session on the planned ...
Amendment to the Basic Law: How the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens intend to secure their two-thirds majority
faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/grundgesetzaenderung-wie-union-spd-und-gruene-ihre-zweidrittelmehrheit-sichern-wollen-110362220.html
Amendment to the Basic Law: How the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens intend to ...
Agreement on debt package: Merz's billions are manageable: The CDU, SPD, and Greens have relaxed the debt brake. This frees the prospective coalition from ...
taz.de/Einigung-zum-Schuldenpaket/!6073122/
Agreement on debt package: Merz's billions are manageable
Study on Citizen's Income: More and more money for administration instead of support
tagesschau.de/inland/buergergeld-bertelsmann-stiftung-100.html
Study on Citizen's Income: More and more money for administration ...