AI-Powered News AnalysisCompare coverage across the political spectrum
FM

Friedrich Merz

PoliticianRight

German Chancellor.

Notable Quotes

"The current line of contact should serve as the starting point for negotiations."
View Story →
"developing a crewed sixth-generation fighter jet still makes sense for his country’s air force"
View Story →
"Merz has openly questioned whether developing a manned sixth-generation fighter jet still made sense for his country’s air force."
View Story →
"Der Bau eines gemeinsamen Flugzeugs „nicht fortgesetzt wird“."
View Story →
"Ils reconnaissent cette réalité. Le chancelier fédéral Merz a donc suggéré au président Macron de ne plus poursuivre la construction d'un avion de combat commun."
View Story →
"Merz habe Macron daher nahegelegt, den Bau des Kampfflugzeugs nicht weiterzuverfolgen."
View Story →
"The core of FCAS will remain as a European system."
View Story →
""Will we still need a manned fighter jet in 20 years' time?""
View Story →
"I found him to be very cooperative, and I also saw him listening very attentively."
View Story →
"I expect it, but above all, I hope it will be successful, and I want to try to make it clear to the American government that tariffs harm everyone."
View Story →
"The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the U.S. is this constant uncertainty about tariffs. And this uncertainty must end."
View Story →
"I expect it, but above all, I hope it will be successful, and I want to try to make it clear to the American government that tariffs harm everyone."
View Story →
"The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the US is this constant uncertainty about tariffs. And this uncertainty must end."
View Story →
"We will have a very clear European position on this, because customs policy is a matter for the European Union, not for individual member states."
View Story →
"For me, there is a reassuring element in yesterday's Supreme Court decision: the separation of powers in the US still seems to be working."
View Story →
"The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the US is this constant uncertainty about tariffs."
View Story →
"I expect it, but above all, I hope it will be successful, and I want to try to make it clear to the American government that tariffs harm everyone."
View Story →
"The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the US is this constant uncertainty about tariffs. And this uncertainty must end."
View Story →
"I expect it, but above all, I hope it will be successful, and I want to try to make it clear to the American government that tariffs harm everyone."
View Story →
"The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the U.S. is this constant uncertainty about tariffs. And this uncertainty must end."
View Story →
"I expect it, but above all, I hope it will be successful, and I want to try to make it clear to the American government that tariffs harm everyone."
View Story →
"The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the U.S. is this constant uncertainty about tariffs. And this uncertainty must end."
View Story →
"We must supply this country with electricity. I am not prepared to jeopardise the core of our industry simply because we have adopted phase-out plans that have become unrealistic."
View Story →
"This country, under this leadership, is currently at the lowest point of utter barbarity."
View Story →
""We want a partnership with China that is balanced, reliable, regulated and fair.""
View Story →
"We know that signals from Beijing are taken very seriously in Moscow. That goes for words as well as deeds."
View Story →
"I would like to expressly welcome China's commitment to peace in the region, which I heard today."
View Story →
"China stands ready to work with Germany to enhance understanding and mutual trust."
View Story →
"we need business ties in the whole world, and that of course also includes a country like China."
View Story →
"China is an important trading partner for us, so I will go to China next week with a large business delegation."
View Story →
"we should have no illusions about China, which asserts the claim to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules."
View Story →
"a new world order, an order of great powers, is taking shape at high speed."
View Story →
"Foreign policy today is also foreign economic policy, and foreign economic policy is an essential part of our economic policy."
View Story →
"May the Year of the Horse bring strength and give new impetus to German-Chinese relations."
View Story →
"Today, China is deliberately distancing itself from the United States and asserting its claim to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules."
View Story →
"Germany wants a partnership with China that is balanced, reliable, regulated and fair."
View Story →
"Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want partnership with China balanced, reliable, regulated and fair."
View Story →
"The number of sick days in Germany is too high."
View Story →
"Israel had done the 'dirty work' to slow Iran's nuclear program."
View Story →
"We are trying to convince Spain to catch up."
View Story →
"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke about the war in th..."
View Story →
"We are trying to convince them that this is a part of our common security, that we all have to comply with this."
View Story →
"I told Trump very clearly that he could not conclude a separate trade agreement with Germany or all of Europe but not with Spain."
View Story →
"We are trying to convince them that this is a part of our common security."
View Story →
"An endless war is not in our interest."
View Story →
"The Iranian state must remain functional, and public order and basic services must be maintained. The Iranian economy must not collapse."
View Story →
"An endless war is not in our interest. The same applies to a collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil."
View Story →
"We share the goals of the United States and Israel regarding the Iranian nuclear and missile programme, Tehran's threats against Israel, its support for terrorism and proxies."
View Story →
"We do not want to see a Syrian scenario here."
View Story →
"And that is why I am appealing both in Washington and in all talks with the Israeli government to create the conditions for this country to be stabilised as quickly as possible."
View Story →
"Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe."
View Story →
"The Iranian state must remain functional, and public order and basic services must be maintained."
View Story →
"Credibility is the highest asset in politics."
View Story →
"the decision was 'wrong'."
View Story →
"dirty work Israel is doing for all of us"
View Story →
"Germany and Europe have lost one of the most significant thinkers of our time."
View Story →
"His sociological and philosophical work had an impact on generations of researchers and thinkers."
View Story →
"His voice will be missed."
View Story →
"Alemania y Europa han perdido a uno de los pensadores más significativos de nuestro tiempo."
View Story →
"It is a gross act of disloyalty within the European Union."
View Story →
"heinous attack"
View Story →
"These extremists have no place in our society."
View Story →
"Looking ahead over the next three years – as Sharaa has expressed his hope – around 80% of Syrians currently residing in Germany are expected to return to their home country."
View Story →
"In the longer perspective of the next three years, that ... was the wish of President al-Sharaa, about 80% of the Syrians currently living in Germany should return to their homeland."
View Story →
"We have an interest in those who live here, want to stay and are well-integrated … that these people stay in Germany."
View Story →
"In der längeren Perspektive der nächsten drei Jahre, das sind auch, ist der Wunsch von Präsident Scharaa gewesen, sollen rund 80 Prozent der in Deutschland jetzt sich aufhaltenden Syrerinnen und Syrer zurück in ihr Heimatland kehren."
View Story →
"We have an interest in those who live here, want to stay and are well-integrated ... that these people stay in Germany. But many who are here are needed at home."
View Story →
"I demand that Morocco take back illegal migrants immediately."
View Story →
"No es la primera vez que hace esto, y dado que es un fenómeno recurrente, probablemente puedan juzgar las consecuencias por sí mismos."
View Story →
"In the event of an emergency, we must know who may be staying abroad for an extended period."
View Story →
"In the event of an emergency, we must know who may be staying abroad for an extended period."
View Story →
"military service would remain voluntary for the time being."
View Story →
"The coalition is doing all it can to 'address problems caused by Iran - war, which has been 'put on hold in the meantime, as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement."
View Story →

Related Stories

EU calls emergency meeting to discuss Ceuta migrant crossings

There have been tense exchanges between Spain and other EU states over the influx of migrants into the enclave of Ceuta.

August 1, 2026

Pressure mounts on Germany's Merz after fractious reshuffle - Reuters

Pressure mounts on Germany's Merz after fractious reshuffle Reuters

July 29, 2026

Berlin Pride attack suspect shot and killed during police operation

Police say Abdul Ballout was shot and killed after he rushed at officers with a knife in a western borough of Berlin.

July 26, 2026

What we know so far about the Berlin Pride ramming attack

A police manhunt is underway after a suspect rammed a car into a crowd at a Pride event in the German capital on Saturday night.

July 26, 2026

German politician resigns over surrogacy child controversy

Jens Spahn faced criticism over his use of a surrogate, a ban on which he previously backed.

July 18, 2026

Franco-German defence cooperation under strain as Macron, Merz meet - Reuters

Franco-German defence cooperation under strain as Macron, Merz meet Reuters

July 16, 2026

German row over plan for workers to need sick note on first day of illness

A doctors' group says it "borders on madness" that patients will have to obtain the note in person.

July 3, 2026

Is Germany looking again at coal-powered electricity?

It had planned to abandon the fuel, but the higher cost of natural gas may make it think again.

June 21, 2026

Hegseth renews Nato criticism and says US will review presence in Europe

The US defence secretary's move follows a US decision to scale back its commitments to a high readiness force within the alliance.

June 18, 2026

Europeans to test Trump on Iran deal risks, urge Ukraine rethink at G7 - Reuters

Europeans to test Trump on Iran deal risks, urge Ukraine rethink at G7 Reuters

June 16, 2026

EU envoys agree to first phase of membership talks for Ukraine and Moldova - Reuters

EU envoys agree to first phase of membership talks for Ukraine and Moldova Reuters

June 12, 2026

Exclusive: Dassault, Airbus in new Eurodrone row after fighter collapse, sources say - Reuters

Exclusive: Dassault, Airbus in new Eurodrone row after fighter collapse, sources say Reuters

June 11, 2026

Scrapping of Franco-German fighter jet leaves allies at odds on defence future

The flagship partnership project became a glaring example of discord between the two nations.

June 9, 2026

Germany and France drop joint fighter jet project - Reuters

Germany and France drop joint fighter jet project Reuters

June 8, 2026

France, Germany unable to continue fighter jet project, Elysee confirms - Reuters

France, Germany unable to continue fighter jet project, Elysee confirms Reuters

June 8, 2026

European leaders ready to support ceasefire talks between Ukraine, Russia - Reuters

European leaders ready to support ceasefire talks between Ukraine, Russia Reuters

June 7, 2026

Zelensky criticises 'vile' Chornobyl drone strike ahead of London talks

Ukrainian officials say a Russian drone hit a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel near the Chornobyl nuclear plant.

June 7, 2026

Russian drone hits nuclear-fuel storage facility near Chornobyl, Ukraine says - Reuters

Russian drone hits nuclear-fuel storage facility near Chornobyl, Ukraine says Reuters

June 7, 2026

EU approves €90bn loan for Ukraine as pipeline is turned on ending deadlock

Ukraine says it has reopened the Druzhba pipeline, after months of stalemate over stalled oil supplies to neighbouring Hungary.

April 22, 2026

Israel reprimands Spain over blowing up of Netanyahu effigy - Reuters

Israel reprimands Spain over blowing up of Netanyahu effigy Reuters

April 11, 2026

Germany suspends military approval for long stays abroad for men under 45

The requirement to obtain permission had gone largely unnoticed until a German newspaper reported on it.

April 8, 2026

German males under 45 may need military approval for long stays abroad

Under the law, travel approvals must generally be granted and it remains unclear how the rule would be enforced if breached.

April 4, 2026

UK's Starmer, asked about Trump's NATO comments, says he will act in Britain's interest - Reuters

UK's Starmer, asked about Trump's NATO comments, says he will act in Britain's interest Reuters

April 1, 2026

Most Syrian refugees in Germany expected to return home in three years, Merz says

Merz’s government has taken a tougher line on refugees and migrants, amid surging support for the anti-immigration AfD party.

March 30, 2026

How Russia's threat forced Germany to radically rethink its military

Germany once terrorised Europe, but now Europe is welcoming a resurgent German military.

March 27, 2026

G7 ready to act to protect global energy supplies, backs Hormuz Strait security - Reuters

G7 ready to act to protect global energy supplies, backs Hormuz Strait security Reuters

March 21, 2026

Hungary's Orbán accused of disloyalty and blackmail over Ukraine loan veto

The Hungarian leader says a pipeline carrying Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary must be repaired before any funds can be released.

March 20, 2026

France's Macron and Germany's Merz to discuss troubled fighter project, sources say - Reuters

France's Macron and Germany's Merz to discuss troubled fighter project, sources say Reuters

March 17, 2026

German philosopher and social critic Jürgen Habermas dies at 96

One the most influential thinkers in post-war Germany, he linked philosophy and political action throughout his life.

March 14, 2026

Ukraine and allies fear easing Russian sanctions will prolong war

Ukraine's president says the US decision "certainly does not help achieve peace".

March 13, 2026

As hopes of regime change in Iran fade, Netanyahu faces political test

Israeli leaders are framing the bombing campaign as having transformed the Middle East in their favour as pressure to end the conflict builds.

March 13, 2026

Canada's Mark Carney tries to strike a balance on Iran

The Iran war is posing a test for the Canadian prime minister's "pragmatic but principled" approach to world affairs.

March 7, 2026

Germany's Merz warns against spread of war in Middle East - Reuters

Germany's Merz warns against spread of war in Middle East Reuters

March 6, 2026

China's parliament rolls out economic, political blue-print; here's what you need to know - Reuters

China's parliament rolls out economic, political blue-print; here's what you need to know Reuters

March 5, 2026

Spain's Pedro Sánchez hits back at Trump threat to sever trade saying 'no to war'

Spain's prime minister delivers a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump's threat to end trade with his country.

March 4, 2026

Trump threatens to halt trade with Spain over military base access

Trump lashed out after Spain barred the US from using its military bases to carry out strikes on Iran.

March 3, 2026

New charges for son of Norway's crown princess on trial for rape

Marius Borg Høiby now faces a total of 40 charges at his trial and denies the most serious allegations.

March 3, 2026

Trump says he ordered strike on Iran over attack fears - Reuters

Trump says he ordered strike on Iran over attack fears Reuters

March 3, 2026

European capitals push back as Ukraine seeks fast-track EU membership - Reuters

European capitals push back as Ukraine seeks fast-track EU membership Reuters

March 3, 2026

France to boost nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies

Emmanuel Macron said eight countries could enjoy protection from France's nuclear umbrella - but that Paris would retain sole decision-making power.

March 2, 2026

How the world has reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran

World leaders have been giving their responses to the attacks on several Iranian cities and Tehran's retaliation.

February 28, 2026

US and Israel strike Iran, seeking to topple its leaders - Reuters

US and Israel strike Iran, seeking to topple its leaders Reuters

February 28, 2026

What we know about the joint US-Israel attack on Iran

Iran has retaliated with a missile barrage towards Israel, while explosions have been heard in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

February 28, 2026

Russia says sending British troops to Ukraine would prolong war, not end it - Reuters

Russia says sending British troops to Ukraine would prolong war, not end it Reuters

February 26, 2026

Founder of China's JD.com launches yacht brand - Reuters

Founder of China's JD.com launches yacht brand Reuters

February 25, 2026

German chancellor lands in Beijing for inaugural China trip

Friedrich Merz said it would be a mistake to "decouple" Germany from China shortly before boarding a plane to Beijing.

February 25, 2026

Germany wants deeper, fairer economic ties with China, Merz tells Li - Reuters

Germany wants deeper, fairer economic ties with China, Merz tells Li Reuters

February 25, 2026

UN chief calls Ukraine war 'a stain on our collective conscience' - Reuters

UN chief calls Ukraine war 'a stain on our collective conscience' Reuters

February 24, 2026

Russia accuses Ukraine of seeking to acquire nuclear weapon with help from UK and France - Reuters

Russia accuses Ukraine of seeking to acquire nuclear weapon with help from UK and France Reuters

February 24, 2026

German car exports to China plunge by a third in 2025, says economic institute - Reuters

German car exports to China plunge by a third in 2025, says economic institute Reuters

February 24, 2026

Zelensky tells BBC Putin has started WW3 and must be stopped

Ukraine's president sat down with the BBC's Jeremy Bowen in Kyiv days before the four-year anniversary of the war.

February 22, 2026

After court ruling, Trump says US global tariff rate will rise from 10% to 15% - Reuters

After court ruling, Trump says US global tariff rate will rise from 10% to 15% Reuters

February 21, 2026

Germany's Merz hopes for relief after Trump tariff verdict but uncertainty lingers - Reuters

Germany's Merz hopes for relief after Trump tariff verdict but uncertainty lingers Reuters

February 21, 2026

Europe's main military powers to develop low-cost air-defence systems - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwwFBVV95cUxOcE9SYWM3Sk0ySW1kQTdzZURJbzFxc29PSy14U2pvZWdnZng2dmtCd0ctSDdUYkswZEo2dS1ONkVzT0Z2a1g5dG1iY0g5UC1iUDZjM0ZTNEpsOXVTbXdNVEJVNmRNMmEwd1pqLWYyazVPaEtZQjRTSmxlMm1xT0Mzci1obnBhOC1BcFNHT0JqQ0pHaHd4R2ZDMW44akRhbHJIaS1sdXNYYzRyN3NTWUxvemdJeGVJdHJ0ZUJta3lpNWR5VjA?oc=5" target="_blank">Europe's main military powers to develop low-cost air-defence systems</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

February 20, 2026