The Chancellor’s request and Trump’s coaching of the Kremlin

“Advancing Germany” – this is the motto approved by the leaders of the government factions in August at a well-organized closed meeting in Würzburg. They want to tackle big issues – from pensions to the economy to reducing bureaucracy. Now, almost three months later, Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for an understanding that many things cannot be done quickly and certainly not easily.

In today’s general debate in the Bundestag, he confidently cited previous coalition decisions, such as reducing energy costs, tax breaks for companies and progress in digitalization. But he admitted:

Germany is “a very complex country – and very complex problems require complex answers and no less complex statements.” An indirect blow to the previous speaker, opposition leader and AfD leader Alice Weidel. According to the Chancellor, reform must be supported by the majority of society. Meaning: It just takes time.

However, Merz’s successes so far have been rare: the coalition parties disagree on pension policy despite agreement in the cabinet, the economy is not working despite major announcements, and measures to reduce bureaucracy have not (yet) had an impact.

So it is not surprising that Green Party leader Britta Haßelmann accused the government of setting false expectations and thereby causing its own disappointment. Weidel infamously compared the coalition to the “Titanic” before it sank, while left-wing groups criticized the wrong focus in the 2026 budget – for example on defense rather than family policy.

So there was one thing left out of the general debate, which, as expected, became heated at times: Merz’s announcement that, given the enormity of the task at hand, he did not want to “tackle anything”. We are “only at the beginning of the reforms our country so desperately needs.”

A media report revealed interesting details about the possible origins of the US’s 28-point plan for Ukraine. Many experts agree that the so-called “peace plan” would be very similar to the position of the Russian leadership and detrimental to Ukraine.

Now the Bloomberg news agency reports that Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, personally gave advice to Putin’s adviser, Yuri Ushakov, on how to flatter the US president. There is talk of real coaching for the Kremlin. What exactly Witkoff said in the phone call and what the possible consequences of the conversation are can be read here:

Trump pushes for Ukraine deal: US President Trump is optimistic about Ukraine negotiations. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, on the other hand, warned against getting expectations too high. We are “still far from achieving our goals.”

Russian Hybrid Attack: Cyber ​​attacks on energy suppliers, antennas next to defense companies – German companies report hybrid attacks allegedly carried out by Russia. How much actually happened remains unclear. Julia Klaus from ZDF frontal reports:

Lack of space in women’s shelters: Women’s shelters are supposed to provide protection from violence: Yet time and time again they have to turn away women affected by violence. A law should help – but there are a few obstacles. Katja Belousova and Susan Odenthal from ZDF frontal report:

“What now, Mr. Söder?”: While the Chancellor called for unity in the dispute over the pension package, Markus Söder visibly sided with the young dissidents from the Union faction. ZDF editor-in-chief Bettina Schausten asked the CSU party leader and Bavarian Prime Minister: What will happen next for the CDU/CSU and SPD government coalition? At 19:20. on TV and in streaming.

Champions League: Currently the giant European duel between Arsenal London and FC Bayern Munich is taking place in the premier class. Eintracht Frankfurt have to play against Atalanta Bergamo and need success considering the rising expectations:

The summary – all matches, all goals – starts at 23:10. on TV, on streaming platforms, and also here:

Women’s Handball World Cup: At the World Cup that starts today in Germany and the Netherlands, German handball players want medals. National coach Markus Gaugisch sees his team as competitive:

The front page of the future Berlin Chamber of Deputies will bear the name of Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer. This honorary citizen of Berlin died on May 9 at the age of 103. The naming of the square will take effect on the first anniversary of his death, the House of Representatives announced on Wednesday.

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) said: “We are sending a clear signal against anti-Semitism – and for democracy and humanity.” Until now, this place does not have a name.

135 Hot air for years – it’s the hair dryer’s birthday! Today it is impossible to imagine our daily life without it, and this device has gone through several stages of development. A coal-powered model was used for the first time in Paris in 1890. Steffen Wachs on the development from a work tool to a lifestyle and everyday product:

Moderator Thomas Gottschalk wanted to say goodbye to the TV business with his final show in December – and then withdrew from the public. This is what the 75 year old man said to “Bunte” magazine about his plans with his wife Karina. “But that doesn’t mean I will never speak out again,” he added.

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Closer to the biathlon stars than ever: A year full of stress, tears and emotions. The documentary “Biathlon Nation – One Team, One Mission” provides an in-depth insight into the essence of the German team. (5 parts of 30 minutes each)

Torben Heine and the entire ZDFheute team

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