Friedrich Merz on the Brink of Becoming Germany's First Emotional Chancellor

The coalition agreement has been finalized, and cabinet positions have been allocated. If everything proceeds as planned, the new grand coalition will soon commence its operations. However, the pivotal question remains: Has Friedrich Merz, the prospective Chancellor, initiated the political transformation that many citizens desire? Will the anticipated shift in asylum policy, which he pledged emphatically in January, materialize? Furthermore, how influential will Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder be in the Chancellor's office? And is there truly a need for a Ministry of Space in Germany?

These pressing issues are explored in the latest episode of the podcast 'Das Politikteil Roundtable.' The discussion features the usual panel of moderators, including Tina Hildebrandt, Ileana Grabitz, Heinrich Wefing, and Peter Dausend. This episode also welcomes Mariam Lau, an expert on Merz and a prominent figure in the Berlin bureau of 'ZEIT,' who provides insights into the current emotional state of the CDU leader as his dream of becoming Chancellor appears increasingly tangible, albeit under challenging circumstances. Additionally, the panel discusses Johann Wadephul, a CDU politician rumored to be in line for the role of Germany's new Foreign Minister, although this remains unconfirmed.

This episode serves as a bonus to the traditional format of 'Das Politikteil' and is accessible through a digital subscription to 'ZEIT' or a discounted podcast subscription. Meanwhile, the standard 'Das Politikteil' remains freely available to the public.