Friedrich Merz, the chancellor-hopeful from the CDU, celebrated his party's victory at their Berlin headquarters, where supporters danced to a video called "Rambo Zambo," created by a German comedian in his honor. Merz, still uncertain about forming a parliamentary majority, thanked his party workers and encouraged a celebratory mood. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged his responsibility for the historic defeat of his Social Democratic Party (SPD) and congratulated Merz and the CDU/CSU for their success in securing the mandate to form the next government. Scholz reaffirmed the SPD's commitment to not cooperating with the extreme right. Coalition negotiations are expected to be complicated, especially due to divisions over migration policies and the handling of the far-right AfD party, which remains highly stigmatized in Germany due to its Nazi past. This political uncertainty could leave Scholz in a caretaker role for an extended period, delaying crucial economic recovery measures for Germany.
The world’s richest person has repeatedly praised the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, known by its German acronym AfD
Scholz won the support of 207 lawmakers in the 733-seat lower house, or Bundestag, while 394 voted against him and 116 abstained. That left him far short of the majority of 367 needed to win.
He had initially wanted to have an early election only by late March — before the vote that is regularly scheduled for September 2025.
Israel struck military sites in Iran early on Saturday, but its retaliation for an Iranian attack this month did not appear aimed at the country's most sensitive oil and nuclear targets after urgent calls from allies and neighbours for restraint.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and PM Modi will today co-chair the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations. India’s largest trade partner in Europe is upbeat about cooperation with India in the backdrop of its goal of reducing economic dependence on China. An institutional framework to enhance cooperation built over two decades offers an ideal platform to take ties to the next level
Cologne-Wahn, a German military base was locked down due to suspected sabotage, including possible tampering with the water supply. Authorities are investigating a break-in and a discovered hole in the fence.
Olaf Scholz's comments came in an interview with CNN that aired on Sunday, two days after he met US President Joe Biden in Washington.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters the meeting was a chance for the two leaders to discuss coordination on Ukraine.
The two leaders are slated to meet for an hour, including a significant one-on-one component, the official said on Thursday.
Olaf Scholz was seen drinking tea from a clay cup or kulhad at Chanakya corner store in Delhi along with other colleagues.
SUN Mobility, the leading provider of universal energy infrastructure and services for electric vehicles (EVs) showcased futuristic mobility and energy solutions to Scholz.
Officials sources noted that these items have traditionally symbolised the culture and craftsmanship of the two northeastern states, home to different tribes.
New Delhi, Feb 25 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz began his two-day visit to India on Saturday with an aim to expand the overall bilateral ties and discus..
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was received by PM Narendra Modi for a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Scholz also plans to discuss Russia’s war on Ukraine with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a time when Europe and its allies are struggling to maintain economic pressure on the Kremlin and isolate President Vladimir Putin.
The naval project is the latest attempt by a Western military manufacturing power to wean New Delhi away from its dependance on Russia for military hardware.
"What impresses us all very much - that is the determination and courage of the Ukrainians, how they defend their freedom," Scholz said in a video message marking the anniversary.
The MEA said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Scholz will hold discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues.
Scholz’s comment comes days ahead of his visit to India from February 25 to February 26.
Pressure has been building for weeks on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government to send the tanks and allow other NATO allies to do the same ahead of expected spring offensives by both sides.
The European Union, within which Germany is among India's biggest trade partners, relaunched negotiations last year with India for a Free Trade Agreement, and launched separate negotiations for an Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications (GIs).
Lawmakers agreed to let a government economic stabilization fund borrow the money and approved an exemption from a rule that imposes severe limits on running up new debt.
Lawmakers from the Green party and the Free Democrats, which formed a coalition last year with Scholz’ Social Democrats, criticized the plan.
In a speech to parliament, Olaf Scholz highlighted his government’s efforts to counter the effects of Russia’s decision to cut off gas supplies to Germany.