Merz und die Wut der Basis

CDU chairman Friedrich Merz faces a critical meeting with local party chairs, representing some of the party's most critical voices following recent election defeats. The encounter highlights growing tensions between Berlin's political establishment and the party's grassroots supporters.

Party demands

Serap Güler, Cologne CDU district chair and State Minister in the Foreign Office, made clear demands to the party leadership during a 200-second interview. She called for better communication and an unambiguous position regarding the AfD.

Defense cooperation

On the diplomatic front, Berlin and London are moving back into focus. During British Defense Minister Wes Streeting's inaugural visit to German counterpart Boris Pistorius, discussions centered on extensive defense projects, including a new long-range missile to deter Russia.

Analyst Chris Lunday explains why France could become a political complicating factor in this billion-dollar project.