Thorsten Frei
German politician
Photo: Foto-AG Gymnasium Melle, CC BY 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons, cropped)
- Oct 7
Merz insists on German welfare reform timetable as coalition talks resume in Berlin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened coalition talks on Wednesday to defend a package of pension, healthcare, and tax reforms following state election losses for both governing parties.
- Sep 30
German cabinet approves care reform raising childless contribution rate to 4.5%
Germany's federal cabinet has approved a package to stabilize long-term care insurance finances from 2027, increasing contributions for childless workers and high earners while establishing an expert commission for broader structural reforms.
- Sep 28
Jens Spahn resigns from Bundestag Budget Committee after Sardinia trip controversy
The former CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader announced his withdrawal from the Bundestag Budget Committee on Monday following internal party backlash over an unexcused absence spent in Sardinia.
- Sep 26
Jens Spahn receives committee probation following Sardinia trip during Bundestag sitting week
Former CDU/CSU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn has received a probationary stay on the Bundestag Budget Committee through December 2026 after missing parliamentary meetings during a trip to Sardinia.
- Sep 12
German leaders consider Article 37 federal coercion over AfD in Saxony-Anhalt
Senior German politicians cited Article 37 of the Basic Law to enforce federal statutes if the Alternative for Germany forms a state government in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Aug 4
German government surveys 23 organizations on civilian service capacity as ASB demands 9-12 month term
The Family Ministry surveyed 23 organizations, with 22 indicating readiness to host conscientious objectors if conscription is reinstated. The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund insists on at least nine months of service with real qualifications.
- Aug 2
Berlin CSD attack: Union demands swift security law reforms, police union urges caution
One week after an Islamist attack at Berlin's Christopher Street Day killed a Polish woman and injured 31, the CDU/CSU Union is pressing for rapid legislative changes, while the police union warns against hasty measures.
- Jul 31
Seven German states rebel against coalition plan to abolish 'Rente mit 63' pension
Germany's black-red coalition faces mounting resistance from eight states over its plan to abolish the deduction-free pension after 45 contribution years, with SPD and CDU politicians alike demanding exemptions, transition rules and hardship provisions.
- Jul 27
Merz reshuffles CDU and cabinet: Franziska Hoppermann to become party general secretary, Linnemann moves to health ministry
Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed the current party treasurer to the CDU presidium on Monday, part of a wider personnel package triggered by Jens Spahn's resignation as parliamentary group leader.
- Jul 26
Söder announces 2028 re-election bid, defends Merz's reshuffle, and warns against AfD cooperation
Bavarian premier Markus Söder used the ZDF Sommerinterview to confirm his 2028 candidacy, defend Chancellor Merz's cabinet reshuffle, and draw a sharp line against cooperation with the AfD, while also addressing the Berlin CSD attack.
- Jul 24
Merz reshuffles German cabinet after Spahn resignation, signals further changes before state votes
Chancellor Friedrich Merz replaced his chancellery chief and health minister on Friday, with the transport minister also expected to depart, as he seeks to revive his unpopular government before September regional elections.
- Jul 23
Merz reshuffles cabinet as CDU rebellion exposes chancellor's weakened grip
Chancellor Friedrich Merz replaced his transport and health ministers and installed a new parliamentary group leader after an 11-day reshuffle, but open criticism from senior CDU figures and a new pension row with eastern state premiers left his authority badly dented.
- Jul 19
Jens Spahn resigns as CDU/CSU parliamentary leader after surrogacy backlash
The head of Germany's conservative parliamentary group stepped down on Saturday after his decision to have a child via a surrogate in the United States collided with his party's long-standing opposition to the practice.
- Jun 29
Germany delays 'humanitarian gesture' for Polish Nazi victims as 1,000 die each month
Berlin has yet to approve a concrete Polish proposal for annual compensation to some 50,000 surviving victims of Nazi occupation, despite a December pledge by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to act on his government’s historical responsibility. Critics call the inaction a 'disgrace' as around 1,000 elderly victims die each month while the plan remains stuck in inter-ministerial talks.
