Germany has voted, and Friedrich Merz is now the chancellor-in-waiting. But can he rise to the occasion? With Donald Trump signaling a retreat from Europe and cozying up to Vladimir Putin, the continent faces its biggest security challenge in decades. Will Merz shake off Germany’s long-standing hesitation and step up?
Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by James An ... Show More
Today
Inside America's midterm election battle
America is heading to the polls for the midterm elections — and Europe is watching closely. With the outcome set to have consequences far beyond Washington, from trade to defense, we're bringing you a special episode of The Conversation, hosted by POLITICO's Dasha Burns. Dasha si ... Show More
46m 36s
Jan 2025
Election countdown: New Germany, new Europe, new podcast
<p>With just five weeks remaining until the German federal election, Friedrich Merz's CDU is leading in the polls. But significant shifts in geopolitics—and opinion—can occur in weeks and days: and this election will take place in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s inauguration and ... Show More
32m 36s
Sep 2021
Germany, and Europe, After Merkel
<p>After 16 years in power, Angela Merkel, the chancellor of Germany, is walking out of office one of the most popular politicians in the country.</p><p>In those years, Ms. Merkel has not only served as the leader of Germany, but also as a leader of Europe, facing down huge chall ... Show More
27m 57s
Feb 2025
Is Germany about to cut ties with Trump's America?
It didn't take long for Germany's new Chancellor in waiting, Friedrich Merz, to make his presence felt across the Atlantic. Before the final ballots had even been counted in the German elections, Merz took to a television debate to warn that "after Donald Trump's remarks last wee ... Show More
35m 13s
May 2025
A new chapter in German politics
As of May 6th, Germany has a new government, led by the CDU’s Friedrich Merz in coalition with the CSU and SPD. Despite a last-minute hitch, Merz is now safely installed in the Bundeskanzleramt in Berlin, from where he immediately jetted off to Paris and Warsaw for high-level pol ... Show More
32m 17s