Sabine Kinkartz

The government in Berlin is under pressure to get major reforms underway. But Merz's coalition partner, the SPD, stands severely weakened following two defeats in state elections, and now finds it hard to compromise.

Will German citizens feel safer if more immigrants are deported? Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been giving that impression. But the reality is more complex.

The CDU/CSU and SPD made many promises to voters. But according to polls, citizens are deeply disappointed and have little hope left that things will improve.

Never before has a German government been this unpopular after only one year in office as that of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The far-right AfD is benefiting from this.

No one had higher hopes for Friedrich Merz's chancellorship than the German business community. Meanwhile, however, early euphoria has given way to bitter disappointment.

No one had higher hopes for Friedrich Merz's chancellorship than the German business community. Meanwhile, however, early euphoria has given way to bitter disappointment.

The German housing market crisis is deepening social inequality. Newcomers in particular are struggling to find affordable housing — with consequences for integration, education, and the labor market.

The German housing market crisis is deepening social inequality. Newcomers in particular are struggling to find affordable housing — with consequences for integration, education, and the labor market.

Efforts to regulate social media have had little effect so far, according to Jugendschutz.net. The government-funded organization says young people in Germany are defenseless against online hate and violence.

The war in Iran has dashed hopes for economic growth. Germany's pension and healthcare systems are also feeling the strain.