German parliament sits for first time with AfD as second biggest party

Far right party doubles its number of seats, while chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, hopes to form government before Easter
Germany’s new parliament sits for the first time on Tuesday with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) the second biggest force, as negotiators seek to iron out key differences on tax and migration that are likely to dominate a new coalition government under Friedrich Merz.
The 630 members of the Bundestag, 230 of whom are newly elected, will sit in parliament at a unique time in postwar German history. The AfD has doubled its number of seats to 152, while centrist parties are overhauling the country’s military and fiscal policy in response to rising threats to European security.
Continue reading...
Read more at The Guardian
Topics
-
German election winner Merz moves step closer to forming government
Conservative bloc and SPD to start full coalition talks as chancellor-in-waiting plans to revive ailing economy. Germany’s conservative election winner, Friedrich Merz, came a step closer on ...The Guardian - Mar. 8 -
How AfD’s Alice Weidel went from German pariah to top opposition figure
When the newly elected Bundestag meets for the first time this week, far-right Weidel, who lives in Switzerland with her Sri Lankan-born wife, will lead its largest opposition party. Alles für ...The Guardian - 2d -
Germany’s parliament approves Merz’s €1tn spending plan
Chancellor-in-waiting uses outgoing Bundestag to loosen debt brake and unleash investments in defence and infrastructureFinancial Times - Mar. 18 -
The Guardian view on Germany’s new coalition: unleashing the radical centre | Editorial
A groundbreaking vote by outgoing MPs has given the chancellor-elect, Friedrich Merz, the chance to renew mainstream politics. The first “grand coalition” government in Germany’s postwar history ...The Guardian - 6d -
New Canadian Prime Minister Carney will run in Ottawa area district as he seeks to join Parliament
Two officials familiar with the matter say new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will run in an Ottawa area district as he seeks to join Parliament for the first timeABC News - 3d -
Germany’s political upheaval and the transatlantic alliance’s uncertain future
Germany has emerged from its recent election with a grand coalition of the center-right CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party likely, but the rise of the far-right AfD party and its ...The Hill - Mar. 9 -
Alice Weidel doesn’t fit the profile of a far-right politician. The German AfD is willing to look past it.
MUNICH — She has two children with a Sri Lankan-born woman, speaks Chinese and previously worked at global financial institutions — an unconventional profile for the leader of a male-dominated ...NBC News - Mar. 9 -
Democratic Party hits new polling low, while its voters want to fight Trump harder
The Democratic Party has reached an all-time low in popularity in the latest national NBC News poll, as it searches for a path forward after a painful loss to President Donald Trump — and as the ...NBC News - Mar. 16 -
Germans Reach Deal to Spend Big on Defense, Climate and More
The agreement between centrist parties, led by the likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, was billed as a response to America’s shrinking security guarantees.The New York Times - Mar. 14
More from The Guardian
-
Russia and Ukraine agree to ‘eliminate the use of force’ in Black Sea
Kremlin stipulates maritime ceasefire will start only if it gets sanctions relief on agricultural exports. Russia and Ukraine have agreed to “eliminate the use of force” in the Black Sea after ...The Guardian - 1h -
South Korea fires: 18 dead as acting president speaks of ‘unprecedented damage’
A 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple is among buildings destroyed after dry and windy weather saw mostly contained blazes spread again. At least 18 people have died and another 19 injured as wildfires ...The Guardian - 2h -
Mike Waltz claims ‘full responsibility’ for Signal chat group leaked to journalist
Trump adviser says he can’t explain how Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg’s number was included in the group chat. Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz, said on Tuesday he takes ...The Guardian - 1h -
Hamdan Ballal: Oscar-winning Palestinian director released from Israeli detention
No Other Land director released a day after he was attacked by settlers and detained by Israeli forces. An Oscar-winning Palestinian director who was attacked by Jewish settlers and detained by ...The Guardian - 6h -
Eight journalists covering anti-government protests held in Turkey
Arrests condemned as ‘unlawful’ by press freedom groups, highlighting growing repression amid demonstrations against President Erdoğan. A prosecutor in Istanbul has remanded eight journalists in ...The Guardian - 10h
More in World
-
Experts ‘amazed’ at survival of miniature dachshund on the run on South Australian island for more than a year
Valerie escaped from her pen when her owners were holidaying on Kangaroo Island, which is famous for its native wildlife. Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our ...The Guardian - 29m -
Wong calls ‘reprehensible’ letter targeting Hong Kong activist in Australia a ‘threat to national sovereignty’
Ted Hui received letter offering reward for information about his family after China accused Australia of interfering with its internal affairs. Follow our Australia news live blog for latest ...The Guardian - 57m -
US adds dozens of Chinese entities to export blacklist
Move marks first attempt by Trump administration to stifle Beijing’s development of military-related technologyFinancial Times - 1h -
Mike Waltz claims ‘full responsibility’ for Signal chat group leaked to journalist
Trump adviser says he can’t explain how Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg’s number was included in the group chat. Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz, said on Tuesday he takes ...The Guardian - 1h -
Art Expert Accused of Duping Prince and Palace of Versailles Stands Trial
A connoisseur of 18th-century French furniture fooled buyers into purchasing chairs with fake royal pedigrees, authorities say. The distinct taste of licorice helped give him away.The New York Times - 1h