SZ am Abend: News from February 24, 2025

Formation of a government: Election winner Merz is exploring options. The CDU leader can form a coalition with the SPD, but will probably need a constitutional amendment for a higher defense budget. The Left and AfD would together have a blocking minority in the Bundestag. Read the article

• New electoral law: election winners who won nothing (SZ Plus)

Change in the Greens: Habeck says goodbye to the leadership role. The fact that the candidate for chancellor is stepping back into the ranks is probably just the start of a larger restructuring. After the disappointing performance in the federal election, many in the party are calling for a fresh start and questioning the entire course. Read the article (SZ Plus)

Europe is hoping for German leadership. In Brussels, expectations of Merz are overwhelming. He gets along well with Macron. Many hope that Berlin will take on a leadership role alongside Paris and that both will rally the Europeans behind them. Read the article (SZ Plus)

German economy on the outcome of the federal election. Expectations and hopes for a turnaround are high, the pressure on a new government is enormous. The German economy is in crisis, the mood is at rock bottom. Now everyone is hoping for the new chancellor and the new government. Read the article

• OPINION Germany must act now, and quickly (SZ Plus)

Top EU politicians are travelling to Kiev on the third anniversary of the Russian attack. The European Union is assuring the Ukrainian government of its full solidarity. EU Commission President von der Leyen is announcing a new aid payment of 3.5 billion euros, as well as further sanctions against Russia. A special summit is planned for next week. Read the article

Verdi is calling for a two-day warning strike at Munich Airport. Security checks and ground services are to be struck on Thursday and Friday. Numerous flights in Düsseldorf and Cologne/Bonn are already being cancelled this Monday. The union wants to use this to put pressure on the collective bargaining in the public sector. The carnival holidays begin in Bavaria this weekend. Read the article

Trump is pushing ahead with the closure of USAID The US government is continuing with mass layoffs: With the exception of a few employees in key positions, all employees of the development agency worldwide are being furloughed. Go to the live blog on the US government

EXCLUSIVE Attack in Munich: Assassin is in psychiatric prison ward According to SZ information, Farhad N. has been transferred to a specialized ward in the Straubing correctional facility. So far, investigators have denied that the perpetrator has any psychological problems. Read the article (SZ Plus)