Thomas Wieder

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French journalist Alain Duhamel: 'We are facing both a crisis of government and a crisis of society'

The prominent journalist says France is experiencing an unprecedentedly serious situation – 'worse' than that of 1958 – and raises the question 'of the very survival of the political system,' in an interview with Le Monde.

Published yesterday at 4:00 am (Paris), updated yesterday at 12:21 pm Abel Mestre Thomas Wieder

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François Hollande: 'Donald Trump is no longer our ally'

France's former president says that Trump's new term marks 'a profound break' in international relations, particularly with Europe.

Published on February 28, 2025, at 11:00 am (Paris), updated on February 28, 2025, at 12:13 pm Sandrine Cassini Thomas Wieder

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2024 US election: Weakened Europe anxiously waits for White House's next occupant

Europe has fallen further behind economically and technologically, and the governments of the European Union's main driving forces are politically shaky.

Published on November 5, 2024, at 3:13 pm (Paris), updated on November 5, 2024, at 4:22 pm Cécile Chambraud Thomas Wieder

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German regional elections: Far-right surge in Thuringia and Saxony weakens Scholz's coalition

The AfD party came out on top in Thuringia, a first for a German far-right party since WWII, and was a close second in Saxony. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD dropped, while his Green and Liberal Democrat allies collapsed. It is a serious setback for Scholz one year before the general elections.

Published on September 2, 2024, at 11:08 am (Paris) Thomas Wieder

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'The mistake made by the parties that prospered in West Germany for decades was to believe that they could import their model, unchanged, to the former East'

As regional elections in Thuringia and Saxony get underway on Sunday, author Steffen Mau examines the rise of the far right in the former GDR.

Published on September 1, 2024, at 4:00 pm (Paris) Thomas Wieder

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The rise of extremes in eastern Germany

In Thuringia's September 1 local elections, the far right is expected to come out on top. On the left, a significant surge is anticipated for Sahra Wagenknecht's populist party, which is anti-immigration and in favor of lifting sanctions against Moscow.

Published on September 1, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris) Thomas Wieder

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Solingen knife attack puts Germany's ruling coalition in difficulty

The suspect in the knife attack on Friday, claimed by the Islamic State organization, which left three people dead and eight injured, was arrested on Saturday evening. Ahead of local elections in the east, the government is under pressure to act.

Published on August 25, 2024, at 6:30 pm (Paris) Thomas Wieder

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German local elections are threatening aid to Ukraine

The government is considering reducing its financial aid to Kyiv, while in three eastern Länder, where elections are scheduled for September, the far right and the radical left, both in favor of halting arms deliveries to Ukraine, are gaining momentum.

Published on August 20, 2024, at 2:23 am (Paris), updated on August 20, 2024, at 11:00 am Thomas Wieder

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Germany's Free Democratic Party is now promoting a 'car policy'

Losing ground, the Liberals are promoting the return of the car to the city center, even if it means increasing tensions within the ruling coalition.

Published on August 16, 2024, at 11:31 pm (Paris), updated on August 17, 2024, at 11:00 am Thomas Wieder

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Surprise, discretion and support: Western allies react to Ukraine's incursion into Russia

Ukraine's armed offensive in the Kursk border region seems to have caught the West unawares, but their support remains intact.

Published on August 16, 2024, at 10:20 am (Paris), updated on August 16, 2024, at 12:01 pm Hélène Bienvenu, Arnaud Leparmentier, Maria Udrescu, Faustine Vincent and Thomas Wieder

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Nord Stream sabotage: Berlin issues arrest warrant for Ukrainian man

According to German media reports, investigators located one of the members of the sabotage team near Warsaw. Poland confirmed that it had received an arrest warrant for 'Volodymyr Z.' in June, but the suspect fled to Ukraine before being detained.

Published on August 14, 2024, at 2:14 pm (Paris), updated on August 14, 2024, at 2:33 pm Thomas Wieder

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Austria thwarts planned suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert

A 19-year-old man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State organization was arrested. According to the Austrian police, he had intended to use explosives and knives in his attack.

Published on August 9, 2024, at 11:50 am (Paris), updated on August 9, 2024, at 11:50 am Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

Prisoner exchange between West and Russia is a diplomatic success with a bitter aftertaste

Twenty-four people imprisoned in seven different countries, and two minors accompanying their parents, passed through Turkey's Ankara airport on Thursday, as part of the largest exchange ever organized since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Published on August 2, 2024, at 10:20 am (Paris), updated on August 2, 2024, at 12:26 pm Marie Jégo Arnaud Leparmentier Thomas Wieder

Interview Subscribers only

For Germany's Social Democrats, 'You can't govern in coalition without some give and take'

In the wake of France's parliamentary elections, which failed to give any group an absolute majority, German MP Nils Schmid, the SPD foreign policy expert, talks about Germany's culture of compromise, which he believes is a prerequisite for forming a solid coalition.

Published on July 10, 2024, at 5:00 am (Paris) Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

French elections: European leaders relieved far right lost, concerned by political uncertainty

Germany, Spain and Poland were delighted that the far-right Rassemblement National party was blocked by the left in France's elections on Sunday. But many in the EU are worried about the risk of a deadlock in France.

Published on July 9, 2024, at 5:30 pm (Paris) Philippe Ricard, Hélène Bienvenu, Cécile Ducourtieux, Isabelle Piquer, Thomas Wieder and Allan Kaval

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Germany's ruling coalition has reached an agreement on a budget for the next five years

After intense negotiations, the alliance led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz has agreed on a plan for 2025, aimed above all at boosting sluggish growth.

Published on July 8, 2024, at 4:07 am (Paris), updated on July 8, 2024, at 8:33 am Thomas Wieder

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French expatriates turn out to vote, worried about the debate on dual nationality

Internet voting has reached record levels. These voters will elect 11 MPs to the Assemblée Nationale.

Published on June 30, 2024, at 12:43 pm (Paris) Alexandre Aublanc, Abbas Asamaan, Arnaud Leparmentier and Thomas Wieder

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French elections seen from Germany: Outcome could cause an 'extremely serious crisis'

Emmanuel Macron's dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale stunned German political leaders of all stripes, who fear that the far-right Rassemblement National party, perceived as being 'deeply Germanophobic,' could win.

Published on June 26, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Paris), updated on June 26, 2024, at 9:20 pm Thomas Wieder

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Campaign to ban AfD, Germany's far-right party, gains momentum

The far-right party's strong results make it a danger to democracy, say its opponents. But banning the party would take several years.

Published on June 23, 2024, at 12:50 am (Paris), updated on June 23, 2024, at 8:28 am Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

Across Europe, Macron's move to call snap elections worries some and delights others

While some of France's EU partners are worried over France's support for Ukraine, nationalists are hoping for a far-right victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Published on June 14, 2024, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Jean-Baptiste Chastand, Anne-Françoise Hivert, Allan Kaval, Virginie Malingre, Sandrine Morel and Thomas Wieder

News analysis Subscribers only

European elections highlight Germany's political divide between East and West

Despite several scandals and its pro-Russian stance, the far right came first in the East of the country and fourth in the West.

Published on June 14, 2024, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on June 14, 2024, at 12:23 pm Thomas Wieder

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German Chancellor Scholz refuses early elections

The poor results of the ruling parties in Berlin and the dissolution of the Assemblée Nationale in France have further weakened the coalition formed by the Social Democrats, the Greens and the Liberals.

Published on June 11, 2024, at 11:57 am (Paris), updated on June 11, 2024, at 12:03 pm Thomas Wieder

Long Read Subscribers only

Le Monde and Europe, a quintessentially French history

Throughout its 80-year history, Le Monde has proclaimed its European convictions, but without making Europe the beating heart of its editorial line.

Published on June 8, 2024, at 9:29 am (Paris), updated on December 16, 2024, at 10:25 am Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

EU elections: Europe's heterogenous far right in 13 profiles

The far-right ECR and ID groups in the European Parliament could make a big push in the European elections scheduled for June 6-9. Le Monde takes a deep dive into this heterogeneous movement by profiling 13 lead candidates.

Published on June 5, 2024, at 2:38 pm (Paris), updated on June 5, 2024, at 5:28 pm Cécile Chambraud, Jean-Baptiste Chastand, Anne-Françoise Hivert, Thomas Wieder, Sandrine Morel, Jean-Pierre Stroobants, Marina Rafenberg, Allan Kaval, Hélène Bienvenu and Mirel Bran

Letter from... Subscribers only

Germany struck with outrage after racist chants on a jet set holiday island

The angry reactions to a video showing young people shouting 'foreigners out!' speaks volumes about tensions currently present in the country.

Published on May 29, 2024, at 2:06 am (Paris), updated on May 30, 2024, at 7:41 am Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

Macron and Scholz: Two weakened leaders face a Europe in turmoil

The French president heads to Germany on Sunday for a two-day state visit, at a time when relations between the European Union's two economic and political powerhouses are in decline.

Published on May 26, 2024, at 8:00 am (Paris), updated on May 26, 2024, at 8:48 am Thomas Wieder Virginie Malingre

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Berlin's impossible task: Getting rid of Goebbels' villa

Having failed to find a buyer, Berlin's city council is now offering to give away the former Nazi leader's mansion on the outskirts of the German capital. The cost of maintaining the 1,600-square-meter building, unused for years, has become too high for the municipality.

Published on May 26, 2024, at 5:05 am (Paris), updated on May 26, 2024, at 8:38 am Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

EU elections: German Greens are right and far right's prime target

While their concerns were considered a priority in 2019, the Greens are now the subject of strong rejection, in Germany, not least because of their participation in the government. They are even the victims of a large number of attacks.

Published on May 24, 2024, at 4:30 am (Paris), updated on May 24, 2024, at 8:06 am Thomas Wieder

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Germany's AfD suffers two successive blows from courts

On Tuesday, the leader of the far-right party's radical wing was fined for using a slogan associated with Hitler's brownshirts at a rally. The previous day, a court had authorized Germany's domestic intelligence service to keep the group 'under surveillance.'

Published on May 16, 2024, at 2:36 am (Paris), updated on May 16, 2024, at 11:23 am Thomas Wieder

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First trial of 'Citizens of the Reich' conspiracy opens in Germany

The first hearing, held on April 29, concerns members of the 'military arm' of the group that had dreams of restoring the German Empire of 1871 by force.

Published on April 29, 2024, at 11:47 am (Paris) Thomas Wieder

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Germany's far-right party starts its European campaign without lead candidate

AfD MEP Maximilian Krahe was asked to stay away: One of his parliamentary assistants has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

Published on April 29, 2024, at 12:33 am (Paris), updated on April 29, 2024, at 8:00 am Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

Germany's far-right AfD party is mired in scandal

After a series of electoral successes in 2023, the party has faced a series of major scandals. Most recently, its top candidate in the European elections is under judicial investigation for his ties to China and Russia.

Published on April 26, 2024, at 4:33 pm (Paris) Thomas Wieder

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German far-right MEP's assistant accused of being a Chinese spy

A close associate of Maximilian Krah, lead candidate for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the June 9 elections, Jian G. was arrested in Dresden.

Published on April 24, 2024, at 12:39 am (Paris), updated on April 24, 2024, at 7:31 am Thomas Wieder

Letter from... Subscribers only

Wolfgang Schäuble: The uncompromising memoirs of a German political heavyweight

The former German finance minister, who died in 2023, criticizes former chancellor Angela Merkel in his just-released memoirs.

Published on April 21, 2024, at 10:04 am (Paris) Thomas Wieder

News analysis Subscribers only

In Germany, the legalization of cannabis faces implementation challenges

Enacted in haste and without the necessary preparation to deal with its legal and law enforcement ramifications, the law leaves many questions unanswered.

Published on April 18, 2024, at 2:00 am (Paris), updated on April 18, 2024, at 9:50 am Thomas Wieder

In Depth Subscribers only

Germany continues to prefer rapprochement to confrontation with China

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a visit intended to celebrate the economic ties between the two countries – a far cry from Berlin's promises of strategic change over recent months.

Published on April 15, 2024, at 3:41 am (Paris), updated on April 15, 2024, at 7:49 am Thomas Wieder

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In Germany, the Social Democratic Party is under attack for its weakness towards Moscow

Criticized within his coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also accused by several historians of 'denying reality' concerning the threat posed by Russia.

Published on March 31, 2024, at 4:48 am (Paris) Thomas Wieder

News analysis Subscribers only

Why Macron's 'Munich' argument is only partly relevant in the case of Ukraine

The French president's camp is using the 1938 agreements with Nazi Germany to attack those advocating a conciliatory attitude toward Moscow. A somewhat hazardous historical shortcut.

Published on March 16, 2024, at 4:02 pm (Paris) Thomas Wieder Jérôme Gautheret

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War in Ukraine: Germany's ruling coalition splits over sending Taurus missiles to Kyiv

An opposition motion calling for the missiles to be delivered was largely rejected by the coalition government, but the debate laid bare the differences among the Social Democrats, Greens and Liberals on the subject.

Published on March 15, 2024, at 10:23 am (Paris) Thomas Wieder

Long Read Subscribers only

On Ukraine, France and Germany can't agree to speak with one voice

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated a rivalry for leadership between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Emmanuel Macron, while revealing the profound differences in strategic approaches between the two countries.

Published on March 11, 2024, at 4:00 am (Paris) Philippe Ricard Thomas Wieder

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