Merz risks two trillion euros
1m
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saw his authority weakened by regional election defeats and pivoted suddenly to social justice rhetoric, actions that jeopardized the EU's €2 trillion budget deal.
by Albert Weale
Is German voters’ dissatisfaction with Merz known as Merzschmerz?
September 22, 2026 at 8:51 AM
Is German voters’ dissatisfaction with Merz known as Merzschmerz?
While Merz isn't good, a lot of the mess we're in is due to Merkel, whom everyone (abroad) loved. So Merkel-mess perhaps.
September 22, 2026 at 9:01 AM
While Merz isn't good, a lot of the mess we're in is due to Merkel, whom everyone (abroad) loved. So Merkel-mess perhaps.
EU long-year budget negotiations are always brutal and usually take at least one spectacular failed summit full of drama.
But public accusations the European Council President has "lost touch with reality" are not a good place to be in.
But public accusations the European Council President has "lost touch with reality" are not a good place to be in.
Germany says Costa losing touch ‘with reality’ on EU budget
Berlin’s Europe minister rebuked the European Council president’s remarks to POLITICO.
www.politico.eu
September 22, 2026 at 10:32 AM
EU long-year budget negotiations are always brutal and usually take at least one spectacular failed summit full of drama.
But public accusations the European Council President has "lost touch with reality" are not a good place to be in.
But public accusations the European Council President has "lost touch with reality" are not a good place to be in.
It also underlines the difficult position Germany finds itself in - a very weakened Chancellor, who has manoeuvred Berlin from a mediator to a veto-wielding leader of the frugals will find it very hard to go for a compromise.
September 22, 2026 at 10:32 AM
It also underlines the difficult position Germany finds itself in - a very weakened Chancellor, who has manoeuvred Berlin from a mediator to a veto-wielding leader of the frugals will find it very hard to go for a compromise.
It also underlines the difficult position Germany finds itself in - a very weakened Chancellor, who has manoeuvred Berlin from a mediator to a veto-wielding leader of the frugals will find it very hard to go for a compromise.
September 22, 2026 at 10:30 AM
It also underlines the difficult position Germany finds itself in - a very weakened Chancellor, who has manoeuvred Berlin from a mediator to a veto-wielding leader of the frugals will find it very hard to go for a compromise.