HolidayBlogging

Tag: escalation

  • Von der Leyen blasts China’s blackmail, directly targeting Trump at G7 summit

    G7 Summit’s Eye‑Opening Moment

    Ursula von der Leyen’s Bold Declaration

    In the midst of the G7 summit’s high‑stakes chatter, Ursula von der Leyen dropped a truth bomb: the “biggest collective problem” that’s been gnawing at the global trading system actually dates back to China’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001.

    What That Means for the World

    • Trade Balance Trouble: A decade‑old imbalance that still puts markets on edge.
    • Policy Ripple Effects: Decisions made in 2001 are still echoing through tariffs and subsidies worldwide.
    • Market Instability: A single country’s move can stir the whole global pot, sparking unexpected swings.
    • New Challenges for the G7: The summit now faces the task of steering a system with deep-rooted issues.

    Ursula von der Leyen Rallys the G7 Against China’s Rare‑Earth Monopoly

    At the G7 summit in Canada’s Kananaskis, Ursula von der Leyen used her platform to warn that a “new China shock” was on the horizon. She blasted Beijing for its “pattern of dominance, dependency and blackmail,” a line that seemed tailor‑made to echo former President Trump’s hard‑line rhetoric.

    The China Play: Monopolizing Rare Earths

    China’s grip on the 17 rare‑earth metals—essential for everything from smartphones to electric cars— is a bona fide quasi‑monopoly. Roughly 60 % of the world’s supply and a staggering 90 % of the processing and refining capacity rest in Chinese hands.

    The Weaponized Supply Chain

    • “China is using this quasi‑monopoly not only as a bargaining chip,” Ursula declared, “but also weaponising it to undermine competitors in key industries.”
    • She highlighted the recent export restrictions on seven rare‑earth minerals, calling the move “alarming” and a clear sign of coercion.
    • The tactics echo past U.S. conflicts—whenever Trump slapped tariffs on Chinese goods, China retaliated with its own fees, spiralling tariffs into a tit‑for‑tat ballet.
    US‑China Ongoing Trade Tussle

    After months of weapon‑grade duty wars, the two giants last week announced a diplomatic “detente” aimed at easing tariffs and loosening export curbs. Trump, ever the opportunist, proclaimingly said, “Relationship [with China] is excellent!”—a rhetorical flourish that didn’t sit well with von der Leyen.

    Von der Leyen’s Call to Action

    She turned the conversation back to G7 solidarity, insisting on an “united” front to counter Beijing’s dominance. Her vision? A fresh network of trusted suppliers backed by new investments in mining and refining.

    • Even if China signals a relaxation of restrictions, the threat stands: “We’re still looking at a new ‘China shock.’”
    • She urged the G7 to increase leverage, forcing China to shoulder more responsibility for the fallout of its state‑led growth model.
    • She blasted China’s “subsidised overcapacity” flooding global markets, pointing to the artificial price advantage of Chinese‑made electric vehicles.

    In a nutshell, von der Leyen’s address was a bold mix of political strategy and market protection, all wrapped in a narrative that kept the G7 on high alert while pointing a finger at China’s power play.
    The G7 leaders in Canada.

    G7 Heads Take on China’s WTO Comeback in Canada

    Why China’s 2001 WTO entry still feels like a surprise cost‑cutting spree

    While the summit was filled with maple‑syrup‑infused chatter, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a sharp verdict. She traced the core of today’s global trade trouble straight back to China’s 2001 WTO admission.

    • “China still bills itself as a developing country,” she remarked, laughing it off. “It seems it just no longer follows the rules‑based system at all.”
    • She called out China’s “undercutting intellectual property,” massive subsidies and its grand plan to dominate manufacturing and supply chains. “It’s not competition – it’s a deliberate skew.”

    In short, if the global marketplace were a giant fairground, China’s entry in 2001 threw the wheel out of its neutral lane. The fallout? Factory jobs in both the U.S. and the EU tumbled, sparking what many know as the “China shock” that keeps policymakers on edge.

    EU vs. U.S. vs. China – The Trade Tug‑of‑War

    In a side note, U.S. officials pointed out that American manufacturing once looked like a funhouse mirror—pretty in the moment but ultimately unstable. By contrast, EU trade policies have been more of a treadmill, endlessly looping around China’s regional gains. The current scramble is all about finding a new, truly fair play formula.

    Bottom line: The G7 summit isn’t just about polite agreements over coffee. It’s about steering the global economy past unexpected tariffs, subsidies, and the ever‑looming risk of a “China shock.”

    Looming deadline

    Ursula von der Leyen and Trump: A High‑stakes Dance on Trade & China

    Why the EU Looks Like a Skyscraper‑Squeezing Summit

    The European Commission’s chief, Ursula von der Leyen, has rolled out a hard‑on‑hard plan that feels eerily familiar to the Trump administration’s playbook. Both leaders are keen on stopping China’s climb to global economic dominance and itching to bring back vital manufacturing work into their home turf.

    Breaking the Silence: Deals & Directives

    • Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs”: In early April the White House slapped China with tariffs, giving the EU a 90‑day window to negotiate.
    • Phone‑call magic: The two leaders finally got on the line and shook hands on speeding up trade talks.
    • Pressure cooker in Brussels: New szudgy policies on Russia, Ukraine, Greenland and the Middle East caused panic around the EU’s Vienna operations.
    Von der Leyen’s Bold Moves

    Ursula didn’t just mail a recap to the President; she fired up her own team and demanded a fast‑track:
    “Let’s get it done.” She posted a photo with Trump, flashing a friendly, but firm, smile.

    The Voting Pile: A Split Decision in the Making

    Though the back‑and‑forth is frantic, the EU‑US talks still feel like a recipe with too many sour ingredients. The deadline of 9 July isn’t a rigid limit that’s been sealed shut; the Trump administration may push it forward to allow more room for bargaining.

    What’s on the Drawbridge?
    • A BRIT Summary: Is there a “reset” where the EU & China find new footing?
        – Trump’s move to rein in growth politics.
    • Job boost: They want to reel in tech and manufacturing jobs that have gone missing.
    • Minimal head‑butting: The trade delay shows deeper differences, but both sides keep negotiating.

    Ursula’s concluding note:

    “On trade, we told the teams to jump the gun so that we can hit a fair and solid deal.” She added a call to action:

    “Let’s get it done.”

  • Tensions Rise: EU Grapples with Setbacks on New Russia Sanctions Ahead of Summit

    Tensions Rise: EU Grapples with Setbacks on New Russia Sanctions Ahead of Summit

    A Putin‑Plumpy Price Cap? It’s Check‑point Mapped to a Vanished Goal

    For folks hoping the G7 would hammer down Russian oil prices, the latest trip to those salty islands turned into a puddle of disappointment.

    Why the Bubble’s Buried

    • G7 Let‑down: The summit ended without any concrete move to lower the price cap. Think of it as a pizza that never gets sliced.
    • Middle East Meltdown: The Israel‑Iran standoff pushed oil producers to tighten their grip on supply, giving the world a renewed spike.
    • Money‑Mind Mountain: With markets worrying about inflation, the big players are more focused on their own wallets than on taking a shot at the cap.

    The Result? “Dead” Audio!

    In the simple words of economists, the downward revision is essentially “dead.” It’s like a superhero movie that ends with the villain still in the background.

    Bottom Line

    Oil would keep circling around the same peaks, barring any new, dramatic policy shift. Keep your eyes on the market for the next plot twist.

    EU Sanctions & A Political Soap Opera

    In a whirlwind of global politics, the European Union’s fresh set of sanctions against Russia has hit a snag right before the big 27‑leader meeting later this week. The blue‑white‑gold alliance is now questioning how, and when, the economic restrictions will actually see the light of day.

    The Two Burning Questions

    • Oil Price Cap Drama – The EU had tentatively lowered the seaborne crude oil price limit from $60 to $45 a barrel, hoping to squeeze Kremlin coffers that help fund the Ukraine invasion.
    • US Back‑up Check – A price cap makes sense only with G7 and US coordination. But the recent Canada summit left a sour note: President Trump, who had bounced out early, didn’t seem keen on the reduction.

    The Oil Cap—and Why It’s Chaotic

    Picture this: the EU’s Commission rolled out a higher-than-usual oil cap as a “pressure band” on Russia. That move was a global design, hammered out at G7 level with the U.S. backdrop. But when the G7 leaders flew to Canada, Trump’s quick exit—he left a day early—felt the silence of the presidency.

    Since returning to the White House, Trump has been putting his own priorities first, ignoring Ukraine’s plea to beef up pressure on Russia. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin remains unbothered by a 30‑day ceasefire proposal. The zero‑support from the U.S. left the EU smack‑in‑the-middle of a dilemma: go solo or step out of this groundbreaking coalition.

    Ursula von der Leyen’s Unexpected Take

    At the G7 summit finale, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen surprised everyone by downplaying the urgency of lowering the oil cap. She pointed to the soaring oil prices—thanks, in part, to the Israel‑Iran flare‑up—as evidence that the existing cap was still serving its purpose. “The $60 cap had little effect, but in the last days, we’ve seen the price jump, so the cap is doing its job,” she said.

    In short, the EU finds itself stuck in a geopolitical tug‑of‑war—waiting for U.S. ammunition to boost their sanctions strategy or watching the oil price drama unfold, without full alignment from all parties.

    The G7 summit took place in Kananaskis, Canada.

    G7 Summit in Kananaskis: A Tale of Oil Price Caps and Diplomatic Tug‑of‑War

    Set against the backdrop of Canada’s rugged Kananaskis mountains, the G7 meeting sparked a fierce debate over a $45‑per‑barrel oil price cap.

    Why the $45 Cap Matters

    • Cap would squeeze Russia’s energy revenue, cutting funds that could support its campaigns overseas.
    • European leaders in a bid to curb the war in Ukraine saw it as a direct economic countermeasure.
    • Opposing voices worried the cap might backfire, driving up global energy costs and benefitting Russia instead.

    High Representative Kaja Kallas Speaks Up

    Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, joined Ursula von der Leyen in unveiling fresh sanctions. Yet two weeks later she flipped the script.

    She argued that the turmoil in the Middle East actually lathers up Russia’s cash flow in energy markets. “If Russia gets richer from the chaos, it can keep funding its Ukraine campaign,” Kallas told a Friday meeting of foreign affairs ministers.

    Key Takeaway from Monday’s Meeting

    “There was no clear mandate from the G7, and several Member States are genuinely skeptical about the price cap,” Kallas admitted. “We’re all worried about the bigger picture, but if the cap is raising oil prices, it might do Russia a favour—something we don’t want.”

    EU Responds to the Contradiction

    On Tuesday, a European Commission spokesperson set the record straight. The spokesperson confirmed that the 18th sanctions package—targeting Russia’s finances, Nord Stream pipelines, and so‑called “shadow fleet”—remains unchanged.

    “Our plan on the old price cap is still on the table,” the spokesperson said. “It’s up to each capital to force it forward.”

    Diplomatic Darlings & Discord

    As the Middle East crisis escalated, fifty‑plus member states split over staying in the oil price cap conversation.

    • Without unanimous support, the $45 cap has effectively sunk into the political deep end.
    • Some diplomats reported that the G7’s collective voice is now fractured, with a divided consensus on whether to keep or shelve the cap.
    • According to insiders, the fate of the cap will likely hinge on future summits, where the US, UK and others might sway the final decision.

    Bottom Line

    In a meeting largely shot in the winds of continental policy, the G7 struggled with a tough puzzle: how to curtail Russia’s war funding without upsetting global markets. The price cap debate—now paused—remains a hot spot that could dramatically shape the economic and geopolitical landscape in the months to come.

    A transactional veto

    Hungary & Slovakia: A High-Stakes Energy Face-Off

    The New Sanction Pulse

    Picture this: two landlocked buddies—Hungary and Slovakia—together, turning up the heat on Brussels. They’ve just linked the latest sanctions package to a bold roadmap that aims to wipe out all Russian fossil fuels from the EU by the end of 2027.

    Why the Roadmap Matters

    • In May, the EU unveiled a multi‑stage plan to bar every purchase of Russian pipeline gas and LNG. Those energy exports made up roughly 19 % of the bloc’s gas consumption last year.
    • The Commission treated this phase‑out like an energy‑policy switch, so only a qualified majority can approve it—no veto victory for any single country.
    • EU Commission President Von der Leyen rolled out the idea with the flair of a grand finale: “The era of Russian fossil fuels in Europe is coming to an end.”

    Hungary & Slovakia: The Not-So-Quiet Protest

    Both nations aren’t thrilled. They’re the only EU members that cannot certify the roadmap’s impact on their sovereignty, prices, or energy security.

    • Off the record, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó slammed Brussels: “We’re not willing to let Hungarian families pay the price for more support to Kyiv.”
    • Slovak counterpart Juraj Blanár stated, “We’re fine with the sanctions themselves, but it’s crucial to connect them to the phase‑out.” He asked for solid guarantees on how the negative fallout will be handled.

    What Are These “Guarantees”?

    Diplomats are still scratching their heads. A popular idea: set up a dedicated fund to help both countries sever ties with Russian energy. It’s common for member states to thumb their nose at Brussels, offering political quid‑pro‑quo for cash. However, the current roadmap offers no financial purse—any extra funding would have to come from somewhere else.

    The Bottom Line

    In short, the EU’s final push to ditch Russian energy is on a qualifying‑majority track, making it saints‑no‑veto. Hungarians and Slovakians, meanwhile, goad the sanctions as a tool they can actually slam a veto on—hoping to keep their energy budgets, sovereignty, and families safe from the ripple effects of the broader European strategy.

    Robert Fico and Viktor Orbán have become increasingly alligned.

    Fico and Orbán: A Budding Bed‑Partner

    The political duo of Robert Fico from Slovakia and Viktor Orbán from Hungary has been steadily tightening their alliance lately, bringing fresh drama to the European Union’s sanctions dance.

    How the Dance Started

    Back in January, when Ukraine decided to stop letting Russian gas pass through its borders, the EU reacted with a wall of sectoral restrictions. Hungary and Slovakia felt the heat—a hefty dose of indignation followed by the standoff. In a bid to keep the “energy infrastructure” intact, the Commission drafted a statement of commitments that wasn’t legally binding but held its own weight.

    • “The integrity of the energy infrastructure” was declared a top‑level EU security matter – a point the European powers were meant to respect.
    • This pledge was the LeGét that softened Hungary’s veto, and the play moved forward.

    What’s on the Menu for Thursday’s Summit

    The upcoming showdown of the 18th sanctions package will bring these two power players to the front row. While Orbán is known to be a master of “buy‑and‑sell” tactics—aiming for bold concessions—Fico’s stance carries its own nuances. Together, they’re expected to change the trajectory of the negotiations.

    Inside the Conversation

    Despite moments of hiccup, diplomats are bubbling with optimism. The Polish Secretary of State, Ignacy Niemczycki, shared his confidence that an agreement will likely be carved out before the Polish EU Council presidency clocks out on June 30.

    “We’re eye‑ing Thursday’s summit, and if it goes as anticipated, the follow‑up discussions will ease a lot. Staying hopeful here,” Niemczycki said, brightening the outlook on Tuesday.

    Balancing Act

    The two leaders aren’t villagers with identical rocks BÆASTTake. While there are shared objectives, each has its small distinctions—maybe a hint of crafty cunning—but the vibe remains optimistic.

    In the grand scheme, the European stage might just witness a polished pact before the Polish baton is passed. Keep an eye out for the next play—it’s shaping up to be an interesting show.

  • Merz’s Germany: 100 Days of Economic Frostbite

    Merz’s Germany: 100 Days of Economic Frostbite

    Berlin’s Wild Ride: 100 Days in the Spike

    If you thought German politics were all smooth sailing, buckle up. Within a few months of the latest election, the federal government is already scrambling through its first grand crisis – and, surprise, the economy is flatlining while nobody in the capital is waving a red flag.

    Merz’s “So‑What” Start‑Up

    Chancellor Friedrich Merz has tried to paint his first 100 days as a minor hiccup. In reality, it reads like a not‑so‑smooth check‑mate for his leadership. Here’s the low‑down:

    • Greece‑style Alliance – Merz sensationally teamed up with the left to crack down on the AfD, hoping it would lift the country’s politics.
    • Israel‑I’m‑Not‑Shooting – He slammed the decision to stop sending weapons to Israel, a move met with sharp protests from allies.
    • No More Mehrwert – His policies pull Germany away from the once‑bedrock idea of a strong state, stirring doubts among seasoned politicians.
    • Judge Jitters – The spicy debate over the SPD‑picked Federal Constitutional Court judge, Brosius‑Gersdorf, feels like a Trojan horse lurking in the coalition’s living room.

    What’s the Bottom Line?

    All these bold moves mean the coalition could crumble sooner than expected. With the economy on a slump, yet Berlin acting like it’s sipping tea, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown. Will Merz’s gamble pay off, or will Germany stew in a storm it helped brew? Only time will tell – but it’s going to be a front‑row seat in the heck‑of‑the‑world.

    Fear-Driven Shock Paralysis

    Meet the New German Chosen One: Merz on the Defensive

    Picture this: a German leader who’s more scared than a snail fleeing a thunderstorm, escaping into the international arena just to feel like the boss at home. He’s packing a hard‑shell crust over his political survival—armaments, military readiness, and a splash of patriotism. It’s all smoke and mirrors, folks.

    Why the headlines feel like a battlefield

    • EU’s “Oops” Moment – The EU botched a trade war with the U.S. and it’s now the headline horror show.
    • Gaza in the Spotlight – That crisis keeps turning into a major news twist.
    • Ukraine Rounds Up – The war’s escalation is hard to ignore.

    And in the middle of all this chaos, Germany’s economy is slowly becoming a sleeper hit. Minder, it’s already down a spot, and that’s a reality even a chillichor can’t flirt with.

    Inherited Messy Legacies

    Merz didn’t just arrive on a ceremonial inflatable boat. He inherited a deep recession handed down by his predecessor, Olaf Scholz. Also, the German social safety net is teeters on a €47 billion deficit. It doesn’t matter if he’s upside‑down or upside‑right. The numbers are stubborn‑sticky.

    Why it isn’t Merz’s fault

    The social system’s seismic imbalance – why? Recession, an aging population, and migration that’s gone wild. That’s a recipe Merz can’t tweak in a night of working out. And those public‑sector giants that now command half of Germany’s economic output? Pretty sure they’re its own kind of sovereign bubble.

    Energy Crisis – The Final Nail in the Box

    But let’s not forget the electric storm: the energy crisis sits on top of a baffling mix of structural deficits that practically make Germany a ghost in the global competitive arena.

    If there’s a silver lining: Merz is flexing, trying to keep the wig on while the country’s economy and social nets twirl. A wobbly tale where you won’t find the usual handshake, but you get something that feels muscle‑and‑heart, a little humorous, and downright human.

    Problem Recognized?

    Is Merz finally Realizing Germany’s Big Oops?

    What the “Economic Miracle” Is Missing

    Berlin’s current roadmap looks a lot like a roller‑coaster heading straight toward a cliff. In its third year of recession, Germany has shed 700,000 jobs since 2019. One could say the political plan is a little less “revive” and more “risky business.”

    Merk’s “Investment Booster” – The Minimalist Upgrade

    Merz is throwing a few shiny toys into the mix:

    • Re‑introducing the declining balance depreciation (a tax trick that lets companies write off equipment faster) until 2029.
    • Cutting the corporate tax from 15 % to 10 % starting in 2028.

    These tweaks would net Germany a mere €11.3 billion, roughly 0.23 % of GDP. It’s laughably small when the economy is already juggling about €146 billion in “creative” bureaucracy costs.

    The Chainsaw Woes – Bureaucracy’s Boon

    In theory, a real‑deal cut‑throat approach (or a chainsaw, metaphorically) could have punched holes in that red‑neck bureaucracy. In practice, a German politician doesn’t dare to take on a bureaucracy that’s grown into a state‑within‑a‑state, now employing half a million people over the last six years.

    Bottom Line

    Merz acknowledges the crisis – but the counter‑measures are like a tiny birthday present at a house‑party where everyone is starving. The tax incentives are fine, but the real mess of bureaucracy remains a stubborn giant refusing to shrink.

    Reform Refusal and Course Maintenance

    Merz’s Mega Mix: Why Germany’s Power Cuts Are Leaving Money on the Table

    What Merz Is Trying to Do (And How It’s Going Wrong)

    • Cut electricity taxes for businesses and consumers – The idea sounds good, but it turns out to be a sneaky way to push the green boom on the economy.
    • No return to nuclear power – The old, dependable fixer‑upper is off the table, and the new plans just keep piling on costs.
    • Keep the draconian heating law in place – When you’re already paying more to stay warm, why add another layer of red tape?

    Why the Green Transition Is Loved by the Politicians, Hated by the Economy

    Merz keeps his nose buried in Brussels’ Green Deal, refusing to touch the whole “centralist policy” that could actually free Germany from its economic shackles. This means:

    • The country is washing out with €64.5 billion of direct investment in a single year – that’s a sudden brain‐dump of capital, fueling the slide toward a European Rust Belt.
    • Industries that run on cheap, reliable power are being forced out faster than a bad cold in a public school.
    • The recession is making the recession bite harder, but Merz stays stubborn – he does not even consider pulling back from the frozen, heavily‑subsidized energy sector.

    What’s Really Going On Behind the Scenes?

    Berlin’s energy strategy is a bit like a bad sitcom: each episode ends with “no one pays for the revolving door.” Here’s what’s missing:

    • No planned retreat from subsidies and heavy regulations. The energy sector remains shackled and less competitive.
    • No talks with Moscow about fresh gas imports – Brussels is still polishing the old sanctions package, which is just what the economy needs: more misery.
    • A policy that, in the long run, destroys Germany’s economic health. The outcome is clear: a fatal blow that could hit the country hard enough to bring about a gravity center shift in Europe.

    Bottom Line: The Stakes Are High, and Merz Is Not Playing the Game Right

    Let’s face it – if you want Germany to stay vibrant, it needs less red tape, a softer approach to green transition, and a genuine chance for businesses to thrive. Merz’s current moves are turning headlines into warnings, and the chances of turning back the slide? Pretty slim.

    Systemic Collapse

    Germany’s Tight‑Wired Rooster Economy: A Funny, Yet Dark, Reality Check

    Picture a rabbit that’s being chased by a snake—both of them, of course, are trying to find a safe place to nest. That’s a simple way to describe Germany’s current economic scene. The government is pinning a whole range of messy problems together, from soaring deficits to a mysterious “citizen allowance” that is now being pitched to the world as a life‑support tool for migrants. In the end, it’s all a tangled web of fiscal policy, debt, and policy panic.

    What’s actually going on?

    • Deficits on the rise – The budget is shrinking in a way that’s hard to ignore.
    • Healthcare and pension reform – The state is trying to keep the medical and retirement safety nets afloat, but the plan involves new debt and extra transfers.
    • Migration reshuffling – A call for a serious overhaul in how we handle people on the move.
    • Social benefit pain‑points – Without a fresh approach, the downward spiral could keep deepening.

    Merz’s “Euro‑Don’t‑Cry” Plan

    Ulrich Merz’s newest move puts Germany on a course toward a French‑style debt situation. The reckless, legally shaky €1 trillion debt programme will catapult Germany into the middle tier of European debt countries, leaching a massive 95% debt‑to‑GDP ratio. The federal budget, in other words, becomes a heavy, unforgiving weight on the country’s shoulders.

    Infrastructure vs. Social and Military Spending

    We’re seeing a commendable push for infrastructure spending—yes, that’s nice. But with social funds already in crisis and a growing defense budget, the cash flow will barely keep the existing infrastructure from becoming collective “knot” of failures. It’s like having a new shiny car in a world where the gas is scarce and the insurance premiums are sky‑high.

    A Call for Strategic Reset

    In a nutshell, Germany should consider two things:

    • Implementation of robust migration policies that reduce the financial strain.
    • Introduction of painful yet effective reforms in our social benefits.

    Only by doing these tough changes can the country hope to stop the collapse spiral and bring back a sustainable foundation for its economy.

    No Regulatory Turnaround

    Will Germany’s Red‑Green Dream Melt?

    If Germany doesn’t flip its economic script, the current coalition could be just a brief after‑show of a bigger play—an eventual footnote in the country’s long‑term story. The recent partnership with the Left means Olaf Merz has no political firepower or personal momentum to pull the nation out of its crisis.

    Argentina’s Playbook for a Political Reboot

    Take a cue from Buenos Aires: the key to a political makeover is a hard reset of the state’s role and a clear push toward deregulation. The idea is simple—shrink the government’s share so that private investors can take the reins on where money goes.

    What Merz Would Need to Do

    • Break the ideological barrier built by his left‑leaning coalition
    • Scrub the Green Deal with Brussels from the agenda
    • Re‑ignite ties with Russia to balance foreign policy

    In short, Germany is still a long distance away from such a paradigm shift. Until that breakthrough happens, the economic legacy of two post‑war generations could simply be wasted on politics.