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Germany
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Friday, September 18, 2026
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In a notable shift ahead of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state election, new polls indicate that the Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Minister President Manuela Schwesig, has surpassed the Alternative for Germany (AfD). This development comes just three days before voters head to the polls, contrasting with earlier surveys that showed the AfD in the lead. The outcome of this election is seen as crucial, with Schwesig focusing her campaign on forming a democratic coalition.
Meanwhile, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to face scrutiny, with fresh details emerging about internal party dynamics and a 'Merz crisis' within the Union parties. Concurrently, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has presented key details for a planned fuel price relief measure, and the government is considering further actions to address high fuel costs, potentially timed strategically before upcoming elections.
Other significant domestic stories include an appeal from three Minister Presidents of automotive-reliant states to the EU and federal government for industry support, and a report on the circulation of forged WELT newspaper pages, raising concerns about potential disinformation campaigns.
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Top Stories
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Just three days before the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state election, the SPD, led by Minister President Manuela Schwesig, has overtaken the AfD in a new ZDF poll. This marks a significant change in the political landscape for the upcoming vote, with the CDU's support also declining. The government is reportedly considering measures to address high fuel prices, potentially influencing the election outcome.
WELT:
Manuela Schwesig's Miraculous Cleansing
An analysis questioning the surprising resurgence of Manuela Schwesig as a strong regional leader, suggesting her past makes her current position noteworthy.
n-tv:
Schleswig-Holstein election: SPD overtakes AfD three days before vote
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the SPD has overtaken the AfD in a ZDF poll for the first time, with the CDU falling further.
ZDFheute:
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Election: SPD on the Rise
A political poll ('Politbarometer Extra') indicates that the SPD is gaining support ahead of the election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
ZDFheute:
Government Measures on Fuel Prices Before Election Sunday?
The government is considering measures to address high fuel prices, potentially timed strategically before the election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin.
n-tv:
Coalition calculator's prediction for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern election
The coalition calculator provides insights into potential government formations following the election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
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New details have emerged concerning the ongoing 'Merz crisis' within the Union parties, with reports from Paul Ronzheimer highlighting dramatic behind-the-scenes events. North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President Hendrik Wüst is noted for his significant role in these developments.
WELT:
'The People Said Openly...' - Ronzheimer Reports New Details of the Merz Crisis
Bild's deputy editor Paul Ronzheimer recounts dramatic behind-the-scenes events in the Union parties, highlighting the role of NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst concerning the 'Merz crisis'.
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The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has presented details for a proposed fuel price relief measure, expected to be implemented in early October. This comes as the government considers various measures to address high fuel prices, potentially with an eye on upcoming elections.
n-tv:
CDU outlines details for fuel price relief
The CDU Secretary-General has presented the key details for a planned fuel price relief measure, expected in early October.
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Germany is significantly increasing its purchase of US weapons, reflecting an evolving defense relationship between the two nations. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Germany's defense capabilities.
t-online:
Germany's New Arms Friendship with the US
An analysis discussing why Germany is significantly increasing its purchase of US weapons, exploring the evolving relationship between the two nations in defense.
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Following recent AfD election victories, a new poll indicates that a majority of Germans understand concerns about security related to immigrants, though only a minority feel secure. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of East Germans are dissatisfied with democracy, with particular discontent among AfD supporters. An opinion piece also debates whether tactical voting is an effective solution to the AfD's growing success.
n-tv:
Most understand concerns about immigrant security
Following the AfD's election victory, a poll indicates that a majority of Germans understand concerns about security related to immigrants, though only a minority feel secure.
DER SPIEGEL:
Opinion: Tactical Voting Isn't a Solution to AfD's Rise
An opinion piece argues that while there is fear of the AfD's success, purely tactical voting is not the best strategy for German politics.
n-tv:
AfD politician sends video message from Russia
An AfD politician has sent a video message from Russia, describing a long and arduous journey.
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Three Minister Presidents from German states heavily dependent on the automotive industry have issued an urgent appeal to both the European Union and the federal government for support, citing significant challenges facing the sector.
WELT:
Alliance of Auto States - Three Minister Presidents Send SOS to EU and Federal…
Three Minister Presidents from German states heavily reliant on the automotive industry are appealing to the EU and federal government for support amid industry challenges.
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Reports indicate that fake WELT newspaper pages, potentially originating from Moscow, are in circulation, sparking concerns about the spread of disinformation within Germany.
WELT:
Love Greetings from Moscow? Forged WELT Pages in Circulation
A report on the circulation of fake WELT newspaper pages, potentially originating from Moscow, raising concerns about disinformation.
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The major textile discounter Kik is planning to close 150 of its stores across Germany, with specific locations affected by these closures being detailed in reports.
t-online:
Fashion Retailer Kik to Close 150 Stores
The large textile discounter Kik is planning to close 150 of its stores, with a report detailing which locations will be affected.
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