power to actGermany expands the powers of its intelligence services to combat hybrid threatsThe reform of the BND and BFV will, in limited circumstances, allow for the sabotage of enemy IT systems and infrastructure. Berlin is responding to Russia’s hybrid warfare, but is blurring the line between the intelligence services and the policebyFlaminia Bussotti26 SEP 26
IN GERMANYEveryone’s against Merz. There are plenty of challengers, but no one is actually stepping forwardOn paper, the field of candidates is extensive, and for weeks the media have been engaged in a colourful game of ‘who will be chancellor’, but no one has put themselves forward. Indeed, at least formally, assurances of confidence have been given to the chancellor byFlaminia Bussotti22 SEP 26
in GermanyThe CDU suffers a crushing defeat in the regional elections, but Merz presses ahead with the reformsThe Christian Democrats have hit an all-time low in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, with the AfD making further gains. Yet the Chancellor has ruled out resigning.byFlaminia Bussotti20 SEP 26