February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day President's Death Met Migration's Defeat

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The morning began with aftermath coverage of Merz's failed migration vote, with his attempts to downplay the defeat meeting widespread criticism. By mid-morning, news broke of former President Horst Köhler's death at 81, shifting media focus temporarily from the political crisis.

Afternoon coverage saw Habeck launching direct criticism of both CDU and FDP, while thousands gathered for anti-AfD demonstrations across German cities, with 14,000 reported in Essen alone. New polling showed AfD gaining over a quarter of projected Bundestag seats.

Evening reports revealed details about AfD donor Jan Winter's connection to Alice Weidel, while Merz presented his theoretical first 100 days as chancellor program. Scholz issued sharp criticism of Merz's migration stance, as media analyzed the broader implications of CDU's collaboration attempt with AfD.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Streets Turned On Their Leader

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Trump's announcement of new tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China dominated morning coverage, with German automotive industry facing potential impacts. By midday, attention shifted to massive demonstrations across Germany, culminating in Berlin where 160,000 protesters gathered against CDU's migration stance.

Jeffrey Sachs's criticism of former Foreign Minister Baerbock's diplomatic approach briefly captured attention, while revelations about a private dinner between Merz, Baerbock, and Laschet sparked speculation about political realignments. The CDU presented a new emergency migration program, attempting to recover from the previous day's parliamentary defeat.

Evening coverage focused on Putin's comments praising Trump and predicting European submission, while demonstrations continued with increased intensity. A single AfD supporter required police escort from the Berlin protest, highlighting the day's underlying tensions.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Brandwall Turned Program

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CDU's party conference dominated media coverage, with Merz presenting his "Sofortprogramm" - a 15-point immediate action plan focusing on migration restrictions. The program passed unanimously amid street protests, with 700 police officers protecting the conference venue.

Habeck responded with a counter-proposal while leaked intelligence documents labeled AfD as "right-wing extremist." Trump's temporary suspension of tariffs against Mexico and Canada briefly shifted attention from domestic politics.

By afternoon, Merz's speech attempted to reinforce the "Brandwall" against AfD collaboration, responding to previous days' parliamentary defeat. Söder's support speech accused Greens of "hypocrisy." Evening coverage revealed a private meeting between Baerbock, Merz, and Laschet at the latter's home, while economists warned of Trump's tariff impact on German industry.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Europe Armed Without America

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European defense independence dominated morning coverage as EU nations debated weapons procurement without US support, while Scholz and Macron diverged on specific strategies. China announced retaliatory tariffs against Trump's measures, with particular focus on LNG exports that could affect European energy markets.

By afternoon, internal Green Party tensions emerged as Youth Wing accused Habeck of "hate speech" regarding his migration proposals. A school shooting in Sweden initially reported as having multiple injuries was later confirmed to have resulted in ten fatalities.

Evening coverage centered on escalating attacks against CDU offices and officials, with reports of feces-smearing and death threats. New polls showed CDU support declining following Merz's recent parliamentary defeat on migration policy. The Left Party reported membership growth while smaller parties like Volt positioned themselves as potential "right-majority blockers" in upcoming elections.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Trump Claims Gaza and Russia Hits Cars

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Trump's declaration to take control of Gaza and transform it into a "Middle East Riviera" dominated morning coverage, with Netanyahu praising these "fresh ideas." The plan involves Palestinian relocation and received widespread criticism across German media.

By midday, reports emerged of a Russia-directed sabotage campaign targeting hundreds of German vehicles with construction foam, allegedly aimed at undermining Habeck before federal elections. The operation involved placing Habeck stickers on damaged vehicles.

Internal SPD tensions surfaced as reports revealed party leadership had previously urged Scholz to step aside as chancellor candidate in favor of Pistorius. The CDU announced plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility, while new polls showed the party maintaining stability despite recent migration policy controversies. AfD reached new polling heights in Thüringen.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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Peace Plans Leak While Parties Clash

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Trump's plans for both Ukraine and Gaza leaked through multiple outlets, suggesting Russian territorial gains and Palestinian relocation, with the EU expected to fund reconstruction. These revelations sparked debates across German media throughout the day.

The evening was dominated by a televised multi-party debate on ZDF, where FDP's Lindner defended against AfD accusations while Chrupalla faced criticism over AfD's migration stance. The Left Party particularly confronted AfD's positions.

CDU's strategic positioning continued to evolve, with Merz apparently seeking to absorb FDP voters. Meanwhile, VW announced plans for a €20,000 electric vehicle, though timing concerns emerged. Porsche's decision to reinvest in combustion engines signaled continued industry uncertainty.

Reports of 10,362 repeat juvenile offenders emerged, while the Berlin Central Station announced partial closures. Ukrainian forces claimed the capture of nearly 1,000 Russian soldiers in Kursk operations.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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Ukraine Takes Kursk While Trump's Plans Leak

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Trump's leaked Ukraine settlement proposal dominated morning coverage, suggesting Russian territorial gains and an April 20th ceasefire. The plan emerged alongside his ICC sanctions and Gaza proposals, forming a pattern of international policy reversals.

By midday, Ukrainian forces advanced in Kursk while announcing plans to replace Russian gas with US LNG imports. The military success contrasted with mounting domestic challenges, as public sector strikes expanded and healthcare costs reached record levels.

Evening coverage focused on election dynamics, with mass demonstrations failing to affect polling numbers. The CDU maintained stability despite church criticism of Merz's migration stance, while AfD received significant Austrian donations. The Left Party gained unexpected momentum, particularly through candidate Heidi Reichinnek.

Trump's appointment of Musk to review Pentagon budgets and his "faith office" plans closed the day's coverage, alongside reports of new bird flu variants affecting cattle.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Masses Filled Munich's Streets

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The morning began with Scholz acknowledging the heating law failure while preparing for his debate with Merz. Hamas released three hostages, including German-Israeli Ohad Ben Ami, after 491 days of captivity.

By early afternoon, Munich witnessed one of Germany's largest demonstrations, with police confirming 200,000 participants protesting against right-wing movements. The CSU party conference saw Söder and Dobrindt intensifying criticism of both the Greens and public broadcasters.

Evening coverage centered on mounting criticism of ARD and ZDF's political programming, with accusations of audience manipulation spreading across political spectrum. Reports of decreasing illegal migration numbers emerged, attributed to enhanced border controls. The Baltic states' disconnection from Russian power grid marked a shift in energy independence strategy.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day of Chancellor's Last Duel

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Morning polls showed momentum for Merz ahead of the evening's TV debate with Scholz. The FDP held a crucial party congress, with Kubicki's emotional speech and Lindner's criticism of Merz marking internal party tensions.

A helicopter crash in Bavaria claimed two lives near Greding, while international coverage focused on Russia's shadow fleet troubles under sanctions. Putin dismissed his rocket chief, reportedly over "world destroyer missile" issues.

The evening's TV debate between Scholz and Merz centered on AfD cooperation, migration, and nuclear policy. Scholz accused Merz of "living in a fairy tale," while Merz cited Merkel-style rhetoric. Initial reactions suggested a measured exchange rather than decisive confrontation, with both candidates maintaining previously established positions on key issues. Wagenknecht characterized the debate as "need versus misery," while post-debate polls indicated marginal advantages for Scholz.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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Eagles Break Mahomes While Scholz Debates

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The Eagles' decisive Super Bowl victory over Kansas City dominated early morning coverage, with Patrick Mahomes suffering what media termed a "destruction" rather than mere defeat.

Analysis of the previous night's Scholz-Merz TV debate shifted from initial declarations of a draw to detailed examinations of rhetorical approaches, with Scholz compared to a beaver and Merz to a wading bird. The debate's limited climate discussion (97 seconds) sparked criticism. Merz's subtle openness to modifying debt rules caused internal CDU tensions.

By afternoon, Hamas suspended planned hostage releases, prompting Israeli military alert elevation. Robert Habeck faced plagiarism allegations regarding his doctorate, while Deutsche ReGas terminated its LNG ship contract, citing government pricing policies. Evening coverage focused on BMW's unexpected commitment to combustion engines and Trump's announcement of 25% steel tariffs against EU imports.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Parliament's Last Stand Before Elections

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The final Bundestag session before elections dominated coverage, with Scholz and Merz exchanging accusations over AfD cooperation and economic policies. The debate escalated when Habeck labeled previous CSU transport ministers as "birds" and Lindner questioned Habeck's professional competence.

Kevin Kühnert's unexpected farewell speech received cross-party applause, including from FDP members, while speculation about his resignation's true motives emerged. A leaked Kremlin document suggested Russian concerns about sanctions' effectiveness, as Trump signaled potential acceptance of Russian control in Ukraine.

An ICE train collision with a truck near Hamburg resulted in one death and multiple injuries, while student protests blocked AfD politician Beatrix von Storch's school appearance in Berlin-Lichtenberg. The evening saw NRW initiating direct deportation flights to Bulgaria for Syrian and Afghan refugees, while reports emerged of the AfD receiving a record €10 million inheritance.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Dreams Died in Vienna and Kiev

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The morning began with reports of Trump's executive order mandating federal cooperation with Musk's DOGE system, while severe smog alerts disrupted daily life across Germany. By midday, Austrian coalition talks collapsed as FPÖ's Kickl failed to secure key ministries from ÖVP, marking a setback for Europe's right-wing alliance aspirations.

Chancellor Scholz faced criticism over allegedly calling Berlin's Cultural Senator Joe Chialo a "court jester," leading to racism accusations from CDU. The controversy escalated throughout the day, overshadowing economic debates about deindustrialization.

The evening brought news of Trump's call with Putin announcing "immediate" Ukraine negotiations, triggering concerns across European capitals. Meanwhile, German industry leaders issued warnings about gas prices and economic decline, while reports emerged of sabotage attempts on German warships.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Car Through Munich's Winter Mist

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The morning papers focused on Trump's bilateral Ukraine negotiations excluding European leaders, with diplomatic concerns overshadowed by a car attack at a Ver.di demonstration in Munich. Initial reports of injuries evolved from 20 to 30 victims as details emerged about the perpetrator, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker.

By afternoon, Bavarian Interior Minister Herrmann and Chancellor Scholz characterized the incident as an attack, while police found evidence of extremist motives. The suspect's legal status sparked political debate, though later corrections showed he held valid residency permits.

Evening coverage connected the incident to broader security discussions, as Afghan community organizations distanced themselves from the attack. Meanwhile, Trump-Putin negotiations advanced, with Medvedev declaring "Europe's time is over" and reports suggesting first Ukrainian-Russian talks could occur during Munich Security Conference.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Munich's Terror Through Peace Conference Smoke

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Morning details emerged about the Munich car attack, as prosecutors confirmed an Islamist motive. The Afghan suspect intentionally targeted a union demonstration, injuring 36 people including a critically wounded child. The incident overshadowed the Munich Security Conference opening.

US Vice President Vance's afternoon speech marked a dramatic shift, declaring Europe rather than Russia as America's primary threat. His criticism of European democracy and migration policies, coupled with calls to end the AfD "firewall," prompted sharp responses from German leaders. Steinmeier and Pistorius explicitly rejected Vance's stance.

Evening coverage revealed Vance's private meeting with AfD's Weidel, while Merz attempted to position himself as mediator for Ukraine negotiations. The Federal Prosecutor's Office took over the Munich attack investigation, suggesting elevated terror threat assessment.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Munich's Blood Through Conference Smoke

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US Vice President Vance's controversial Munich Security Conference speech dominated morning coverage, particularly his meeting with AfD's Weidel after criticizing European democracy. Chancellor Scholz delivered a sharp rebuke, asserting German democratic sovereignty, while Vice Chancellor Habeck labeled the US administration's behavior "authoritarian-revolutionary."

Zelenskyy's afternoon address called for a European army and warned against Russian peace negotiations, as Trump endorsed Vance's statements. The political tension overshadowed growing concerns about Mercedes's restructuring and climate impact research.

By evening, the death of the mother and child from Thursday's Islamist attack in Munich shifted focus back to domestic security. Finance Minister Lindner called for deportation agreements with Syria, while additional violence emerged in Austria with a Syrian attacker killing a 14-year-old. Baerbock's evening forum appearance addressed both the Vance controversy and growing war concerns.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Munich's Evening When Four Met

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The aftermath of Munich's terror attack and Vance's controversial Security Conference speech merged into a day of political confrontation. Early reporting focused on Austrian authorities announcing mass screening of asylum seekers following the Villach IS attack. By afternoon, European leaders processed Vance's meeting with AfD, while the Kremlin praised his "brave" stance.

The evening culminated in RTL's "Quadrell" debate, where Scholz, Merz, Habeck, and Weidel clashed over migration, Ukraine policy, and Trump's influence. Merz explicitly rejected cooperation with AfD and Höcke while showing openness to SPD coalition. Weidel's refusal to distance herself from the "Vogelschiss" comment and her pro-Putin stance drew sharp criticism from other candidates. The debate revealed unexpected alignment between Merz and Scholz on several issues, including development of Tempelhof Field against public referendum.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Quadrell's Echo Reshaped Plans

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Morning coverage dissected RTL's "Quadrell" debate, with Merz's opposition to AfD and American interference drawing particular attention. By noon, Baerbock's unintended disclosure of post-election Ukraine funding plans shifted focus to coalition dynamics. The afternoon brought reports of US questionnaires to NATO allies regarding potential peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, while Macron convened select European leaders in Paris, notably excluding Germany.

Evening's ARD "Wahlarena" revealed unexpected alignments: Scholz and Merz both rejected potential coalition cooperation, while Weidel acknowledged migration necessity before facing confrontation over her sexuality. Habeck admitted digitalization and construction policy failures. The broadcasts highlighted migration and Ukraine policy as primary electoral battlegrounds, while coalition possibilities narrowed.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Riyadh Dance Through Berlin's Storm

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The first direct US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated coverage, with Moscow signaling openness to Ukraine's EU membership while maintaining NATO opposition. By noon, reports emerged of a potential Putin-Trump summit, while European leaders found themselves increasingly sidelined.

The ARD election arena's aftermath revealed unexpected cordial treatment of Weidel, while Merz and Scholz explicitly rejected future cooperation. A US documentary criticizing German speech restrictions gained traction, with Vice President Vance's criticism resonating. New polls showed CDU/CSU losing ground.

Evening coverage focused on Ukraine's strategic pipeline attack preceding the Riyadh talks, while Continental announced 3,000 job cuts. The AFD faced a new donation scandal, as public sector unions announced nationwide strikes. Rheinmetall expected increased orders amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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The Night Truth Fell Between Rivals

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Trump's accusations against Zelenskyy as a "dictator without elections" dominated morning coverage, while Putin signaled openness to negotiations through Riyadh channels. By noon, European leaders processed implications of potential US-Russia direct talks, with Macron explicitly rejecting combat troop deployment.

The afternoon brought multiple scandals: AfD faced questions over a 2.35 million euro campaign contribution, while Scholz confronted renewed scrutiny over Warburg Bank's Cum-Ex affair. Ver.di announced a nationwide transport strike for Friday, affecting six federal states.

The evening culminated in the final Scholz-Merz debate on WELT/BILD. The encounter revealed unexpected personal moments between rivals, with migration and coalition possibilities dominating discussion. Both candidates showed awareness of likely post-election cooperation needs, despite Merz's declaration that "Scholz's chancellorship ends Sunday."
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day Hawks Circled Ukraine's Peace

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Trump's escalating criticism of Zelenskyy dominated morning coverage, with new accusations about a failed rare earth minerals deal adding to previous "dictator" comments. Hamas's return of four hostages' bodies redirected attention briefly, before coverage returned to Ukraine as European leaders scrambled to position themselves between Washington and Kiev.

By afternoon, reports emerged of potential US troop withdrawals from German bases, while Macron and Meloni competed for Trump's attention. The evening brought revelations of Putin's Arctic deal overtures to Trump, suggesting coordinated pressure on Ukraine.

The day concluded with the final TV debate ("Schlussrunde"), where Baerbock and Dobrindt clashed over Ukraine policy. The European Central Bank's record loss announcement punctuated broader concerns about European autonomy in face of US-Russia dialogue.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Union's Lead Brought Fear Not Joy

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Morning coverage focused on CDU/CSU's paradoxical position: leading polls with double SPD's numbers yet facing internal anxiety about falling below 30%. The final TV debate ("Schlussrunde") aftermath revealed increasing pressure on Baerbock's foreign policy positions and complex coalition mathematics.

By afternoon, reports emerged of a mysterious Swiss-German billionaire behind controversial AfD donations, while Thyssenkrupp's failed HKM sale threatened 3000 jobs. Ver.di announced new airport strikes for Monday, expanding from Friday's transport disruptions.

Evening brought renewed focus on transatlantic tensions as former French Foreign Minister warned of European dependence on US protection. A knife attack at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial redirected attention briefly, while coverage returned to election scenarios and AfD's sophisticated use of AI in campaign operations. The day ended with growing evidence of coordinated US-Russia pressure on European autonomy.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day Truth Walked Through Holocaust Memorial

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The morning began with security warnings about potential election disruptions, as polls showed unexpected gains for Die Linke. By noon, an antisemitic knife attack at Berlin's Holocaust Memorial by a Syrian asylum seeker redirected national attention from campaign coverage to migration debates.

Trump's shifting Ukraine stance gained prominence in afternoon coverage, with reports of potential US withdrawal of Starlink support and new demands regarding rare earth minerals. European leaders scrambled to position themselves between Washington and Moscow, while German companies faced scrutiny over continued Russian gas dependencies.

The evening culminated in a final television "speed-dating" format featuring Scholz, Habeck, and Weidel, while Merz campaigned separately. Latest polls suggested complex coalition mathematics, with traditional conservatives warning about rightward shifts strengthening AfD's position.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Union's Empty Victory Through Thüringen's Storm

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Election coverage dominated media attention from early morning, with significantly higher turnout reported across regions, particularly in Thüringen where numbers doubled compared to 2021. By afternoon, unusual voting locations and a knife incident at a Krefeld polling station drew coverage, while international observers expressed concern over AfD's potential gains.

Evening brought CDU/CSU's victory with 28.9%, followed by AfD at nearly 20% and SPD's historic low of 16.1%. The results triggered immediate political upheaval: Scholz declined coalition negotiations, Lindner announced potential retirement as FDP risked parliamentary exclusion, while Die Linke secured unexpected gains in Berlin. Regional variations highlighted growing east-west divisions, with AfD reaching 43% in Saxony.

By late evening, attention shifted to coalition possibilities as Merz faced pressure to form government despite weaker-than-expected numbers, while BSW's potential parliamentary entry further complicated scenarios.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Three Leaders Fell Through Coalition Dawn

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The CDU victory with 28.9% triggered cascading leadership changes throughout the day. By morning, Christian Lindner announced his resignation after FDP's failure to enter parliament, followed by Robert Habeck's withdrawal from Green leadership after their 3-point loss. The BSW party missed parliament entry by 14,000 votes, while Die Linke secured unexpected gains.

Coalition possibilities dominated afternoon coverage as Merz initiated CDU-SPD talks, aiming for formation by Easter. The AfD's success, particularly in eastern regions where they surpassed combined Ampel parties, reshaped political calculations. By evening, attention shifted to Baerbock's strengthened position within Greens and SPD's internal debates about joining a Merz government.

Late reports focused on Trump's claim about Putin's openness to European peacekeepers in Ukraine, while constitutional lawyers examined BSW's electoral complaints about leaked exit polls.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Coalition Walked Through Nuclear Gate

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Morning coverage focused on CDU-SPD coalition negotiations, with both parties exploring a €200 billion defense package through the outgoing parliament. France's willingness to extend nuclear deterrence to Germany emerged as Merz's first major policy initiative. AfD's unprecedented success in eastern regions expanded westward, reaching 52% in Duisburg districts.

By afternoon, UN dynamics shifted as the US aligned with Russia on Ukraine resolution, while Trump-Macron discussions revealed divergent European security visions. Reports surfaced of Russian offers to the US regarding rare earth minerals from occupied Ukrainian territories.

Evening brought internal SPD resistance to coalition terms, while BSW challenged vote counting accuracy. Mercedes's planned relocation of jobs to Hungary and Bundesbank's first deficit since 1979 highlighted economic pressures underlying political shifts.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Raw Earth Shifted Trade Lines

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The US-Ukraine raw materials agreement dominated morning coverage, with Trump securing strategic minerals access in exchange for military support commitments. By early afternoon, Klingbeil consolidated SPD leadership while confronting coalition talks with Merz's CDU, gaining 85.6% faction support despite internal resistance to conservative partnership.

Trump's announcement of 25% EU tariffs marked a significant shift in transatlantic relations, while Merz's unexpected Paris visit to meet Macron suggested attempts to maintain European alignment. The CDU's controversial 551 questions about NGO funding drew parallels to AfD tactics, revealing emerging political realignments.

Evening coverage centered on Trump's NATO statements regarding Ukraine, effectively closing the door on membership prospects while demanding concessions from Putin, marking a substantial deviation from previous US positions on European security architecture.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day PKK Released Its Sword

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Morning headlines centered on Trump's first cabinet meeting and its implications for NATO's eastern flank. The emergence of a triple coalition in Austria (ÖVP-SPÖ-NEOS) provided contrast to Germany's post-election negotiations.

By early afternoon, PKK leader Öcalan's announcement to dissolve the organization and end armed resistance against Turkey dominated coverage, marking a potential conclusion to a 40-year conflict. This development coincided with Trump-Zelenskyy meeting preparations and debates over EU's authority to seize Russian assets.

Evening coverage focused on accelerated CDU-SPD coalition talks, now scheduled to begin Friday in a 9+9 format, while media examined the controversy over Union's NGO funding inquiry. The persistence of Gene Hackman death reports throughout the day, despite lacking confirmation, highlighted ongoing challenges with verification in rapid news cycles.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day Zelenskyy Left Through Empty Door

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The morning began with King Charles's letter tempering Trump's Ukraine stance, leading to cautious optimism about the US-Ukraine minerals deal. PKK's dissolution announcement from the previous day continued generating analysis, with Turkish media framing it as Erdogan's strategic victory.

By afternoon, the SPD-Union coalition talks started earlier than planned, while Trump and Zelenskyy's White House meeting deteriorated rapidly. The press conference turned confrontational when Trump and Vance demanded gratitude for US support, leading to Zelenskyy's premature departure without signing the minerals agreement.

Evening coverage focused on the diplomatic fallout, with Medvedev celebrating the collapse while European leaders rallied behind Zelenskyy. German media linked the incident to broader concerns about US reliability, while the CDU's controversial NGO funding inquiry gained new context amid shifting transatlantic relations.
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