Germany

The German economy is experiencing significant export weakness and domestic transport disruptions. Major automakers Mercedes-Benz and Porsche report sharp sales declines in key markets like China and America, while a critical ICE train line was severed by a fallen overhead cable. Chancellor Merz is considering relief measures for high fuel prices, and the AfD is advocating for a radical economic shift.

• 18Russia to stop Kazakh oil flows to German refinery via Druzhba, Berlin says
• 16German Chancellor Merz announces energy and trade plans at Hannover Fair
• 15Siemens and Mercedes-Benz announce major AI and battery deals
• 11Volkswagen reports quarterly results, Porsche and US slow down
• 11SAP shares rise on cloud growth despite AI competition fears

Domestic coalition building and renewed foreign diplomacy define the political arena. The governing coalition announced reform negotiation results, while CDU and SPD began coalition talks in Rhineland-Palatinate. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has resumed diplomatic talks with Iran and was surprised by criticism from Reiche directed at Klingbeil.

• 35Coalition faces its week of truth
• 19Trump escalates spat with Merz over troop cuts and Ukraine
• 19German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran
• 15Merz and Trump exchange barbs over Iran comments
• 14Son of Iran's former Shah visits Berlin, meets lawmakers, calls for regime change

Security policy is focused on military readiness and domestic threats. The defense committee chair called for mandatory reserve exercises, and new rules require men under 45 to report longer stays abroad. Concurrently, police are investigating threats against an SPD candidate and explosions on high-speed trains.

• 19German military discusses readiness and future strategy
• 11Germany to deploy minesweepers to Mediterranean amid Iran tensions
• 6Germany considers Bundeswehr mission in Strait of Hormuz
• 5Navy arming warships with Patriot missiles to counter China's hypersonic threat - The Straits Times
• 5Russia says it detains a German woman with a bomb in her rucksack

Society is marked by widespread labor unrest and political polarization. Lufthansa cabin crew strikes have led to significant flight cancellations, including on the Vilnius-Frankfurt route. This labor action occurs alongside political threats, such as an SPD candidate being targeted with eggs, highlighting a tense pre-election climate.

• 15Red liquid thrown at Iran's exiled crown prince in Berlin
• 8Merz announces cuts to pensions, sparking backlash
• 4Iranians react to ceasefire with USA
• 36.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Mongolia
• 3Merz commits to climate protection at Petersberg Dialogue