Chief Political Editor, Deutsche Welle dw.com. Close observer of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and all government policies relevant abroad. Just returned from 1 year as Washington Correspondent. Instagram.com/kuefnermhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3lo6ha2clg22dBreaking🚨: German intelligence service classifies the entire far right AfD Party as right wing extremist. This will reignite debate over whether it should be banned. Expect the AfD to fight this in the courts. The AfD just doubled its seats in parliament with 20,8% of vote in Feb election.02 May 2025 08:54 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3lo6ha2clg22dhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3liyvgoh2gc2tChancellor Scholz arrives in parliament with news of talks with his likely successor Friedrich Merz. Huge spending package for defence is in the making. Open question: Will Merz & Scholz ask old or new parliament to decide? Old: Constitutionally dicey but safe 2/3 majority still available as needed.25 Feb 2025 12:46 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3liyvgoh2gc2thttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3ldpxgv6w6k2rFears over Turkish offensive into Syria grow. "Whoever wants peace in the region must not undermine the territorial sovereignty of Syria." German FM Annalena Baerbock warns as she heads to Ankara for talks with Turish FM Hakan Fidan.20 Dec 2024 08:22 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3ldpxgv6w6k2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3lcsgknm5lc2wScholz calls end of Assad regime "good news" and calls for "rule of law" in Syria. The possible impact on Germany‘s February elections is profound. So far key issue was the bad economy. Now migration and the question whether/when/how Syrians should return could help the far right.08 Dec 2024 14:33 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3lcsgknm5lc2whttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3knqnploss22w"Russia must not win" 🇫🇷 President Macron 🇩🇪 Chancellor Scholz 🇵🇱 Prime Minister Tusk vow - ammunition production on 🇺🇦 soil - long-range weapons coalition - more ammunition at first post PiS "Weimar Triangle" meeting in Berlin. Defiant unity despite strategic differences.15 Mar 2024 15:46 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3knqnploss22whttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kkvl4ibkzv2g“What has been committed by Europe and the decisions by the US Congress is not enough” to support Ukraine in fight against Russia. German Chancellor Scholz calls for action both sides of the Atlantic as he departs for talks with US President Biden at the White House Friday.08 Feb 2024 10:28 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kkvl4ibkzv2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kkotvv2xse2yFrench Prime Minister Attal on first trip to meet Chancellor Scholz in Berlin: -both vow to revive Weimar Triangle with Poland -France continues to bloc Mercosur -both to continue Ukraine support, no fresh criticism of France by Scholz today on this. -recommitment to EU defence including FCAS.05 Feb 2024 18:16 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kkotvv2xse2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kkopmxuj7s2wGerman Chancellor Scholz spoke on the phone with Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu. Readout says Scholz “stressed”: - “the urgent need to significantly improve” humanitarian access to Gaza. - “only two-state-solution offers perspective” of lasting peace - concern over hostages05 Feb 2024 17:00 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kkopmxuj7s2whttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kipoviitwl24“The silent majority must wake up”. That’s the chilling warning by Germany’s Head of Domestic Intelligence, Thomas Haldenwang. Facing rising antisemitism and extremism he warns: “Most people don’t realize how serious the threat to democracy has become.”11 Jan 2024 15:29 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kipoviitwl24https://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3khwh6hbgb62nParty of German Finance Minister Lindner votes to stay in government. Narrow majority of 52% of pro business Free Democrat FDP votes to remain in Chancellor Scholz’ coalition, @AFP reports. Fact that non-binding vote even took place highlights instability of 3-way coalition.01 Jan 2024 14:34 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3khwh6hbgb62nhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kgvnbit4yu2fGermany’s opposition conservative CDU Party can’t wait to get out the election posters. Top court has ruled on details of already planned partial re-run of the 2021 general elections in parts of Berlin. CDU still hoping for more, as Scholz still struggles with his own coalition.19 Dec 2023 13:26 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kgvnbit4yu2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kggdiyvklm23Scholz presents budget compromise that saves German government from falling apart. Germany will stick to “black zero” in 2024 budget. Back door: If Germany “has to react” on Ukraine developments, if “others roll back” support (USA?!) or other “emergencies” black zero override an option.13 Dec 2023 11:21 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kggdiyvklm23https://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kgfvxjaemq2mGerman government crisis is off the table - for now. Scholz’ 3-way coalition has reached agreement on 2024 budget. One month after the constitutional court forced the coalition to make cuts there is a deal. Details to be presented midday.13 Dec 2023 07:18 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kgfvxjaemq2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kfzo6y4tks2mJust in: Germany‘s far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has just been declared ”right wing extremist“ in the state of Saxony. This is now the 3rd state, after Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt where the AfD is categorized as right wing extremist. Germany has 16 Federal States.08 Dec 2023 10:28 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kfzo6y4tks2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kfzm5tup7f2jGerman Chancellor Scholz hits polling low: Only 20% satisfied with with his performance Only 27% say he is capable of the job Only 17% satisfied with government Opposition the answer? 52% say conservative CDU/CSU in the lead would be ”just as good/bad!“ @infratestdimap08 Dec 2023 09:51 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kfzm5tup7f2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kfxn6sldge2rGerman Chancellor Scholz lights first Chanukkah light at Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Scholz vows to keep working for the release of hostages held by Hamas. He stresses the Menora belongs “right here” at the heart of the German capital.07 Dec 2023 15:04 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kfxn6sldge2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kfqi3zxw332i”I am very hotblooded and I don‘t give up“ Brazil‘s President Lula says about continuing to try and seal an EU - Mercosur trade deal. Scholz also vowed to pursue it but has a rather more sober temperament. 🇧🇷 as G20 President on Putin: “Of course I will invite him!”04 Dec 2023 18:45 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kfqi3zxw332ihttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kfk7hbb2x52xAt the COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai, German Chancellor Scholz: - called for renewables to increase 3x by 2030 - launched his “climate club” designed to bring global South on board - pledged $100M to new lost and damages fund. He also got a brief break from his coalition’s wrangling back home.02 Dec 2023 06:54 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kfk7hbb2x52xhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kfhlohhkff2kGerman Chancellor Scholz takes off to COP Climate Summit in Dubai. Any fresh pledges he makes are provisional. German budgets 2023 and 24 have to be rewritten after constitutional court scrapped previous planning. Scholz trimmed COP schedule over coalition trouble back home.01 Dec 2023 05:55 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kfhlohhkff2khttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kffjl6y7gf2cA regional court just ruled that Germany must spend more on ad-hoc measures to meet its climate target of cutting housing and transport emissions by 65% by 2030. Another factor Scholz‘ 3-way coalition must consider after being forced to redraw the budgets over Constitutional Court ruling.30 Nov 2023 10:12 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kffjl6y7gf2chttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kfamewy26e2c”You never walk alone“ German Chancellor Scholz promises Germans no benefits cuts in face of emergency budget debacle seeing him €60BN short. Opposition leader Merz calls Scholz a “plumber of power“ after constitutional court ruled his financial planning ‘unconstitutional’.28 Nov 2023 11:18 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kfamewy26e2chttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kersqn2xwv2kIn a historic first, Germany’s government has produced a budget that has been ruled unconstitutional. This - is - dramatic! What is the recurring threat of falling off the fiscal cliff of a government shutdown to the US, is Germany’s sudden gaping tectonic hole in the budget.22 Nov 2023 14:02 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kersqn2xwv2khttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kerpcby4y327German government keeps stumbling over “black zero” debt commitment. Chancellor Scholz’ coalition has to postpone the scheduled budget 2024 week next week in parliament. Reason: A constitutional court ruling that not only blows €60bn hole in budget but also delegitimizes previous budgets.22 Nov 2023 13:01 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kerpcby4y327https://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kemdu2z75e2hAfrican leadership line-up with top leaders from Côte d’Ivoire🇨🇮, Kenya🇰🇪, Morocco🇲🇦, Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Senegal 🇸🇳 telling German Chancellor Scholz they want more investment. Scholz encourages leaders to work on African Free Trade area to attract more trade. 🇩🇪 focus on 🟢 energy.20 Nov 2023 09:53 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kemdu2z75e2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3ke7pxqxw2l2tGermany‘s highest court just ruled against Scholz‘ 2021 fiscal maneuvre that saw € 60 BN redirected from corona to climate funds. Now his coalition will have to restructure their budgets - fundamentally - to avoid climate policy meltdown.15 Nov 2023 09:25 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3ke7pxqxw2l2thttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kdob72c54b2gUS Secretary of State Blinken just mapped out some US conditions for Gaza that amount to some tough love for Israel 🇮🇱. - no forced displacements - no reoccupation - no reduction of territory - end terrorist threat - Palestinian-led governance Open question: Day 1 after Hamas! Tokyo, G708 Nov 2023 10:45 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kdob72c54b2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kdo2k3xxkl25G7 Foreign Ministers call for “humanitarian pauses and corridors” in Gaza. Stress “protecting civilians” and “international law” in final statement of their Tokyo meeting. Question of who should control Gaza after Hamas defeat only discussed behind closed doors. 🇪🇺🇬🇧🇩🇪🇺🇸🇯🇵🇨🇦🇫🇷🇮🇹08 Nov 2023 08:46 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kdo2k3xxkl25https://bsky.app/profile/germanpolitics.bsky.social/post/3kdn5ugu2oi25German FM Baerbock says more than 200 German nationals and their relatives have now been able to leave Gaza. At G7 FM Meeting in Japan she also echoes US call for ”pauses“ in Israel‘s military campaign to let in humanitarian aid. [contains quote post or other embedded content]08 Nov 2023 00:13 +0000at://did:plc:6iks5ubizel3hcb6abj2pnpf/app.bsky.feed.post/3kdn5ugu2oi25