Elsa Conesa

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In Germany, debate erupts over national flag and anthem

35 years after reunification, one of the vice presidents of the Bundestag has proposed changing these two national symbols, which remain contested in the former East Germany. Meanwhile, far-right lawmakers want to reinstate a verse in the anthem that has not been sung since the fall of the Third Reich.

Published on September 7, 2025, at 2:00 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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Ten years after the migration crisis, Germany assesses Merkel's 'Wir schaffen das' legacy

'We will manage,' Chancellor Angela Merkel declared on August 31, 2015, as hundreds of thousands of refugees, particularly from Syria, sought asylum in the country. Studies show her proactive integration policy yielded positive results, even though the issue remains divisive.

Published on August 31, 2025, at 12:01 pm (Paris), updated on September 1, 2025, at 4:07 pm Elsa Conesa

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French-German partnership threatened by political uncertainty and defense disagreements

The German government, led by conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the tottering French government of François Bayrou, are scheduled to hold a joint cabinet meeting in Brégançon and Toulon on August 28 and 29.

Published on August 28, 2025, at 12:00 pm (Paris), updated on August 28, 2025, at 12:43 pm Elsa Conesa

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Merz sparks outcry over possible German military involvement to defend Ukraine

Even if the deployment of German troops remains hypothetical, the mere mention of it was enough to polarize a country deeply rooted in pacifist culture. For the Social Democrats, coalition partners of the conservative chancellor, any involvement of the Bundeswehr would be inconceivable without American participation.

Published on August 21, 2025, at 10:23 am (Paris), updated on August 21, 2025, at 10:44 am Elsa Conesa

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French nuclear energy splits Germany's ruling coalition

France has counted on a shift in Germany's nuclear policy ever since the arrival of conservative Friedrich Merz – whose party supports nuclear energy, unlike the Social Democratic Party – at the head of the coalition. Nuclear energy is expected to top the agenda at the July 23 meeting in Berlin between the German chancellor and the French president.

Published on July 22, 2025, at 3:19 am (Paris), updated on July 22, 2025, at 9:19 am Elsa Conesa

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Germany's federal government and royal family end a century-old dispute

An agreement has been reached regarding property confiscated from the Hohenzollern family: Items currently displayed in museums will remain there, while contested objects will be housed at a special foundation.

Published on July 9, 2025, at 2:31 am (Paris), updated on July 9, 2025, at 8:07 am Elsa Conesa

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The Oder Bridge between Germany and Poland: The decline of a European symbol

After Berlin reinstated border checks to block migrants at the bridge in Frankfurt an der Oder, Warsaw responded with similar measures, disrupting daily life for locals. Once emblematic of the European Union's eastward expansion, the site now bears witness to the rise of xenophobic sentiment.

Published on July 7, 2025, at 12:57 pm (Paris), updated on July 7, 2025, at 2:16 pm Elsa Conesa

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Macron and Putin's double-edged call after three years of silence

The French president and his Russian counterpart spoke for more than two hours on Tuesday, discussing the situations in Iran and, notably, Ukraine. On the latter, they only reaffirmed their irreconcilable differences.

Published on July 2, 2025, at 10:07 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa, Philippe Ricard, Claire Gatinois and Benjamin Quénelle

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Merz seeks to ease tensions with Trump in Washington

The German chancellor, who is scheduled to be received at the White House on Thursday, aims to persuade the American president not to abandon the United States' commitment to Europe – a commitment Merz ties directly to the fate of Ukraine.

Published on June 5, 2025, at 4:07 am (Paris), updated on June 5, 2025, at 8:08 am Elsa Conesa

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The German army and its ghosts

Created by the Allies 10 years after World War II to help defend Western Europe, the German army was designed to fight as little as possible. Today, Berlin wants to make it 'fit for war,' but the institution is struggling to break free from its extremely complex history.

Published on June 1, 2025, at 8:30 pm (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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Germany toughens rhetoric toward Israel, but maintains policy stance

Long a staunch supporter of Israel due to its responsibility for the Holocaust, Berlin has begun issuing increasingly firm criticisms of the war in Gaza. However, it continues to deliver arms to Israel.

Published on May 29, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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War in Ukraine: Germany announces new financial and military cooperation with Kyiv

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the two countries would jointly produce long-range missiles, enabling strikes deep inside Russia.

Published on May 28, 2025, at 10:51 pm (Paris), updated on May 29, 2025, at 10:01 am Elsa Conesa

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Germany's Merz promises 'most powerful conventional army in Europe'

In his first speech to the Bundestag, the new chancellor emphasized the rearmament of the country and briefly addressed domestic politics, such as immigration, a particularly sensitive issue in the nation.

Published on May 15, 2025, at 12:33 pm (Paris), updated on May 15, 2025, at 12:35 pm Elsa Conesa

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Germans' opinion of Israel has deteriorated

A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, published on Friday, confirms a trend that predates October 7. Only 36% of respondents today express a positive opinion of Israel, which is 10 points less than in 2021.

Published on May 13, 2025, at 1:05 am (Paris), updated on May 13, 2025, at 10:04 am Elsa Conesa

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Macron and Merz's 'friendship' doesn't erase fundamental differences

The new German chancellor was welcomed at the Elysée Palace by Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday for his first foreign trip.

Published on May 8, 2025, at 1:01 am (Paris), updated on May 8, 2025, at 12:03 pm Elsa Conesa Philippe Ricard

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Germany's new Chancellor Merz boosts hope for renewal of French-German partnership

Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz will visit the Elysée for his first trip abroad on Wednesday. Emmanuel Macron and Merz are well acquainted, having met both before and after the German elections.

Published on May 7, 2025, at 12:54 pm (Paris) Elsa Conesa Philippe Ricard

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Germany: Friedrich Merz finally elected chancellor after a wild day at the Bundestag

For the first time since the founding of the Federal Republic, two rounds of voting were necessary to elect a chancellor. While Friedrich Merz, the president of the Christian Democratic Union was finally voted in, this rocky start highlights his weak political base.

Published on May 6, 2025, at 11:16 pm (Paris), updated on May 7, 2025, at 8:20 am Elsa Conesa

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Germany's Friedrich Merz is embracing pragmatism

The Christian Democrat is set to be inaugurated chancellor on Tuesday. Coming from the Catholic bourgeoisie of former West Germany, he had to compromise on his campaign promises to form his coalition. These U-turns are already being criticized by some CDU voters.

Published on May 6, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on May 6, 2025, at 10:20 am Elsa Conesa

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Chancellor Merz's diplomatic first week

The new German leader, who aims to dedicate two-thirds of his first year in office to Europan affairs, has planned trips to Paris and Warsaw.

Published on May 5, 2025, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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Atheists are now the largest group in Germany

For the first time ever, Germany has more atheists (47%) than Catholics and Protestants combined (45%). This decline in faith is particularly noticeable in southern states such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

Published on April 16, 2025, at 12:31 am (Paris), updated on April 16, 2025, at 10:08 am Elsa Conesa

Round-up Subscribers only

How European countries plan to fund defense efforts

Some governments have already chosen which resources to mobilize to increase their military budget, while others are still deliberating.

Published on April 14, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa, Jean-Baptiste Chastand, Cécile Ducourtieux, Anne-Françoise Hivert, Allan Kaval and Jean-Pierre Stroobants

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Germany's Merz unveils his coalition deal on illegal immigration, taxes and bureaucracy

The document was negotiated behind closed doors between the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats. Besides the chancellery, the CDU-CSU will lead the ministries of economy, foreign affairs, education and health, while the SPD takes over the Finance Ministry.

Published on April 10, 2025, at 6:00 pm (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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Germany, abandoned by its American protector, prepares to take defense into its own hands

'Europeans, war and peace' (Part 3 of 7). In Germany, only the radical left and the far right continue to claim a pacifism that was once widely shared.

Published on March 29, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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Volkswagen sells almost as many currywursts as cars

Europe's leading carmaker saw its net profit fall by 30% in 2024, but sales of its curry sausage, produced since 1973 at its Wolfsburg site, hit a record high.

Published on March 14, 2025, at 4:30 am (Paris), updated on March 14, 2025, at 9:50 am Elsa Conesa

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Germany prepares to mourn the loss of US nuclear protection

In a country torn between its attachment to the transatlantic link and its hostility to nuclear weapons, Friedrich Merz, the likely future chancellor, has clearly called on Emmanuel Macron to open the debate on extending France's nuclear deterrent to Germany.

Published on March 13, 2025, at 3:46 am (Paris), updated on March 13, 2025, at 7:44 am Elsa Conesa

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Friedrich Merz, German chancellor before his time

Even though negotiations to form a coalition have not yet begun, the head of the Christian Democratic Union party, which came out on top in Germany's February 23 elections, has already embarked on major projects in his country and abroad.

Published on March 12, 2025, at 3:55 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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Germany's Merz wants quick coalition formation to finance defense effort

The Christian Democrat, whose party won the parliamentary elections, quickly began negotiating with the Social Democrats to secure a majority in parliament. The likely future chancellor insists the country cannot delay the military investments needed due to US disengagement.

Published on February 25, 2025, at 11:03 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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German elections: Far-right AfD party achieves historic result

Alternative for Germany (AfD), which garnered 20.8% of the vote, is now the country's second strongest political force. The party imposed immigration as a major theme during the campaign and enjoyed the support of the Trump administration.

Published on February 24, 2025, at 10:55 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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With election win, Friedrich Merz, rival of Angela Merkel, has revenge

The 69-year-old CDU candidate is set to become chancellor at a time when Germany is going through a deep economic, security and identity crisis.

Published on February 24, 2025, at 10:31 am (Paris), updated on February 24, 2025, at 2:10 pm Elsa Conesa

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Germany's conservatives celebrate election win but AfD's historic gains loom

With 28.6% of the vote, the CDU/CSU came out on top, ahead of the AfD, with 20.8% of the vote. CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who has ruled out any alliance with the far right, will likely be able to avoid having to form a three-party coalition.

Published on February 24, 2025, at 10:00 am (Paris), updated on February 24, 2025, at 2:11 pm Elsa Conesa

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Alice Weidel: Germany's far-right candidate backed by the Trump administration

In a relationship with a woman of foreign origin, the AfD leader nonetheless assumes an anti-immigration rhetoric and unabashedly makes references to the Third Reich. This position has earned her the endorsement of Elon Musk and US Vice President JD Vance, while her party is credited with more than 20% of voting intentions in the February 23 parliamentary elections.

Published on February 23, 2025, at 3:13 pm (Paris), updated on February 23, 2025, at 3:14 pm Elsa Conesa

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A look back at Germany's lightning election campaign

Triggered after the breakdown of the coalition led by Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the campaign for the February 23 parliamentary elections has been marked by terror attacks and interference from the Trump administration.

Published on February 22, 2025, at 5:01 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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US plans to hold Ukraine peace talks without Europeans

After the Munich Security Conference, which highlighted the rift that now separates the US from the EU, the Elysée is set to convene a European summit on Monday. The Ukrainian president has said Moscow plans to create 15 new armed divisions this year.

Published on February 16, 2025, at 11:58 am (Paris), updated on February 16, 2025, at 12:14 pm Elsa Conesa Sylvie Kauffmann

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Germany: Friedrich Merz, an Atlanticist with no illusions about Trump's America

On European issues, the leader of the Christian Democrats and likely future chancellor of Germany intends to lay boundaries to Brussels' prerogatives and move closer to Poland.

Published on February 16, 2025, at 4:10 am (Paris), updated on February 16, 2025, at 9:32 am Elsa Conesa

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JD Vance calls on German right to ally with far right

The US vice president criticized the German democratic parties' exclusion policy against the far right, one of the key features of the country's politics, and met with far-right candidate Alice Weidel on Friday.

Published on February 15, 2025, at 11:57 am (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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In Munich, JD Vance declares ideological war on Europe

Donald Trump's vice president said that the greatest threat to the Old Continent was neither Russia nor China but its 'the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values.' He did not dwell on the Ukrainian question.

Published on February 15, 2025, at 9:50 am (Paris), updated on February 15, 2025, at 10:50 am Elsa Conesa Sylvie Kauffmann

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Germany's Bundestag debates banning far-right AfD party

A cross-party group of 124 MPs put a motion on the agenda to bring proceedings before the Federal Constitutional Court to ban the party, whose unprecedented alliance with the CDU caused a shock.

Published on January 31, 2025, at 3:09 pm (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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Germany's Christian Democrats lift 'firewall' against far right

A motion on immigration introduced in the Bundestag by the CDU obtained a majority on Wednesday with support from the far-right AfD. In a rare criticism of her own party, former chancellor Angela Merkel said the move was 'wrong.'

Published on January 30, 2025, at 2:44 pm (Paris) Elsa Conesa

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German right hardens stance on immigration

CDU chancellorship candidate Friedrich Merz wants to strengthen measures against illegal immigration and replace European asylum legislation, deemed 'dysfunctional,' with national law.

Published on January 28, 2025, at 3:09 am (Paris), updated on January 28, 2025, at 9:42 am Elsa Conesa

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Thirty-five years after reunification, Germany still straddles two capitals

With only a few weeks to go before Germany's parliamentary elections, the political establishment is once again arguing over which institutions should be shared between Berlin and Bonn.

Published on January 25, 2025, at 5:10 am (Paris), updated on January 25, 2025, at 11:04 am Elsa Conesa

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