Mario Nawfal
🇩🇪 CDU WANTS DISTANCE FROM THE U.S.—SHUTS THE DOOR ON THE AfD Germany’s conservatives came out on top, but with a historically weak result. Meanwhile, the AfD surged into second place with its best-ever performance—only to be completely blocked from power. Friedrich Merz now faces messy coalition talks, needing partners to govern while keeping the AfD at arm’s length. He’s also making it clear: Germany will pivot away from U.S. influence, pushing for a more independent Europe. With no easy path to a government, Germany’s leadership vacuum could drag on for months—leaving the country and the EU in limbo. Source: Reuters
Mario Nawfal
🇩🇪GERMANY BRACES FOR A NATO BREAKUP? Friedrich Merz, Germany’s likely next chancellor, isn’t sure NATO will survive the summer. With Trump’s administration warning Europe to handle its own defense, Berlin is scrambling for a Plan B. Washington is already holding Ukraine talks
