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Boost or bust the AfD? Inside Friedrich Merz’ gamble to reform Germany

July 8, 2026

Can German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stop the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany? Germany's coalition government has launched sweeping reforms on the economy, pensions and welfare. In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s Michaela Küfner and Matthew Moore examine with economist Marcel Fratzscher whether Germany's reform gamble can reverse the far-right populist surge.

https://p.dw.com/p/5GmgW
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About the show

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

DW Berlin Briefing

From Trump's victory, the German government collapse, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to evolving European security dynamics, this video podcast explores how these events impact Germany and the wider region.

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