Defense Spending: "The 700 Billion Euro Program Risks Fizzling Out"
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has an astonishing 700 billion euros at his disposal until 2030 to overhaul the long-neglected Bundeswehr, recruit additional soldiers, and modernize the nation's arsenal. The vast majority of this funding comes from loans, making it an unprecedented modernization, stimulus, and debt program for the country. Few economists have delved as deeply into the challenge of how Germany can simultaneously achieve defense capability and overcome its economic growth crisis as Moritz Schularick. The 51-year-old has led the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), one of Germany's leading research institutions, since 2023. Together with his economist colleagues Clemens Fuest, Jens Südekum, and Michael Hüther, he devised the exceptional rule to bypass the debt brake after the 2024 federal election, which the CDU/CSU, SPD, and Greens ultimately adopted, making these substantial defense expenditures possible in the first place.
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CDU: Friedrich Merz: Encouragement in the Cellar
Chancellor had not experienced such a pleasant appearance in a long time as he did in this Berlin cellar. Recently, they had almost hidden him, fearing public discontent. But on this Tuesday evening, everything was different. When Merz entered the cellar, he was met with long applause. "Thank
München: S-Bahn Main Line Power Cable Repaired, Service Resumes
Overhead power cable damage severely disrupted Munich's S-Bahn main line throughout the day. Deutsche Bahn (DB) reported the cable section between Pasing and Laim repaired around 6 PM, allowing S-Bahn trains to use all tracks. Full service is gradually being restored across all lines,
Will CDU Leader Merz Survive Sunday's Elections?
Whispers about replacing the current Chancellor are growing, extending beyond tabloid talk. CDU influencer and Young Union treasurer Clara von Nathusius voiced this sentiment on ARD last Sunday, stating, "Unfortunately, no more elections can be won with this Chancellor." Howeve
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Fear on All Sides
Fear is not a platform, declared the Volt party, a small group notably present in the street campaigns in Saxony-Anhalt. Indeed, fear isn't a party program. However, in Saxony-Anhalt, for a change, it wasn't the AfD attempting to sow fear and reap votes. Confident in their candidate U
Tanker Fire in Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran-US Tensions; US Disputes Mine Impact
Updated: September 14, 2026 An oil tanker reportedly caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with a mine, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The tanker, identified as the El Gaia, was navigating a southern route through the strait, which Iran
Sydney Sweeney: More Than Just Sports in New Campaign Controversy
Sydney Sweeney is once again at the center of controversy, this time over an advertising campaign. The betting company Novig uses the slogan "Just Sports" alongside images of Sweeney, with a baseball bat, basketball hoop, or football strategically placed to cover her nude body. In the accompany