Chancellor Friedrich Merz openly questioned the future of the joint Franco-German sixth-generation fighter project FCAS. Faced with a deadlock in negotiations with French partners, Berlin is leaning towards purchasing over 35 additional American F-35 aircraft. Simultaneously, the head of government announced a fight against online anonymity and tightening regulations on nepotism, targeting practices used by AfD politicians.
FCAS Project Crisis
Chancellor Merz questioned the sense of the joint sixth-generation fighter with France, casting doubt on the 100 billion euro defense program.
New F-35 Fighters
Berlin is negotiating the purchase of over 35 additional American F-35 aircraft, deepening Germany's military dependence on the United States.
Fight Against Anonymity
The head of government calls for a real name obligation online and is considering a social media ban for children to protect public debate.
End of Nepotism in AfD
In light of scandals in the AfD party, the chancellor announces tightening of the law on members of parliament to prevent parliamentarians from hiring family members.
Defense relations between Berlin and Paris have reached their lowest point in years following a declaration by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who stated that Germany does not need the same aircraft as France. The FCAS project, estimated to cost 100 billion euros, is paralyzed by conflict between the Dassault Aviation and Airbus corporations. According to Reuters agency reports, the German government is already conducting advanced talks on purchasing another batch of F-35 fighters from Lockheed Martin, which would secure the Luftwaffe's potential in case of the ultimate failure of the European program. Since the signing of the Élysée Treaty in 1963, Franco-German cooperation has been the foundation of European integration, but the defense sector regularly becomes an arena for competition over national industrial interests and technological sovereignty. During a speech on the occasion of the political Ash Wednesday in Trier, the chancellor also addressed internal and digital security issues. Merz advocated for introducing an obligation to use real names on the internet, arguing that public debate requires an open visor. Additionally, in response to reports of family hiring by deputies of AfD, the chancellor announced an amendment to the law on members of parliament, which would curb the phenomenon of nepotism. „I want to see real names on the internet. I want to know who is speaking.” — Friedrich Merz The head of government also emphasized that Russia under Vladimir Putin is in a state of "deep barbarism," which excludes a quick end to the war through diplomatic means. >35 — additional F-35 fighters Germany may order In the economic sphere, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil announced the presentation of a tax reform concept later this year. The goal is to relieve low- and middle-income earners, while ruling out an increase in VAT as a funding source. At the same time, Chancellor Merz declared his intention to run for a second term in the 2029 elections, citing the good health and longevity of his parents. German F-35 procurement plans: Order from 2022: 35 units → unchanged; Planned additional order: 0 units → over 35 units; Total fleet (forecast): 35 units → over 70 units
Mentioned People
- Friedrich Merz — Chancellor of Germany, CDU leader, announces fight against online anonymity and distances himself from French defense projects.
- Lars Klingbeil — Federal Minister of Finance, announced preparation of a tax reform concept to relieve the middle class.
- Emmanuel Macron — President of France, co-initiator of the FCAS project, currently in dispute with Berlin over the shape of European defense cooperation.