Germany’s Merz plans ‘double bazooka’ for defence and infrastructure

Economists’ proposal for up to €800bn of funding under review as part of coalition talks

Topics

Germany’s Merz in ‘difficult’ talks over plans to boost defence spending

Debate over multibillion-Euro top-up to military fund is playing a central role in exploratory coalition discussions
Financial Times - 4d
Merz Appears Poised to Be Germany’s Next Chancellor

Exit polls suggest that Friedrich Merz, the candidate for the conservative Christian Democrats who has vowed to bring stronger leadership in Europe, will be Germany’s next leader. The hard-right ...
The New York Times - Feb. 24
Germany election: Merz says it’s ‘five to midnight’ for Europe

Leader of victorious conservative alliance says continent must build defence capability as US moves towards ‘America alone’ motto. The man expected to be Germany’s next chancellor has said Europe ...
The Guardian - Feb. 24
How will Germany’s Merz build his coalition government?

CDU leader has vowed to seal negotiations with the Social Democrats by April
Financial Times - Feb. 25
Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Next Chancellor, Is Yesterday’s Man

Friedrich Merz, almost certain to be the country’s next chancellor, is yesterday’s man.
The New York Times - 5h
Debt and defence headache for Merz after AfD and far left make gains

Election winner could struggle to reform strict borrowing rules due to opposition in next parliament
Financial Times - Feb. 24
Who is Friedrich Merz, the favorite to become Germany's new chancellor?

Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become Germany's chancellor in a CDU-led government, has extensive experience as a lawyer and working with major corporations.
CNBC - Feb. 20
Germany’s Merz says Europe can no longer rely on US protection

Frontrunner for chancellor suggests possible nuclear co-operation with the UK and France
Financial Times - Feb. 21
FirstFT: Germany’s Friedrich Merz pledges ‘independence from US’

Also in today’s newsletter, staff revolt at FTI and Apple’s DEI and OpenAI initiatives under fire
Financial Times - Feb. 24