Friedrich Merz: Whether the summer break will be one will be decided tomorrow
In his last government statement before the summer break, Chancellor Friedrich Merz once again advocated for his government’s reforms. At the beginning of July, the Union and the SPD agreed on 34 measures in their coalition committee to strengthen the economy and secure jobs. These include tax relief for small and medium incomes, a higher tax on the rich and looser rules for temporary employment relationships. Statutory health insurance should also be reformed. Despite the opposition’s urgent requests that have now been rejected, the Chancellor appeared confident this morning that the new law will be passed tomorrow, Friday. The Chancellor also looked back in parliament at the NATO summit in Ankara. From his point of view, the meeting was successful for Germany and Europe. Evidence of this is that the federal government will buy American Tomahawk cruise missiles and station them in Germany. Fabian Reinbold, political correspondent for ZEIT, explains in what mood and with what balance sheet the Chancellor and his coalition are going into the summer break.
Running since Friday Iran the funeral ceremonies for Ali Ayatollah Khamenei. He was the ruler of the Islamic Republic for 37 years before he was killed in a US-Israeli attack at the end of February at the age of 86. However, it was uncertain how many of his supporters from the capital Tehran were able to travel to the funeral in his hometown of Mashhad. Because last night the railway line between the two cities was destroyed by US attacks. The USA also said it attacked 90 other military targets. According to Iranian information, 14 people were killed; The regime in Tehran, for its part, has reported attacks on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. How does the regime react to the escalation during the funeral ceremonies? ZEIT Iran expert Omid Rezaee analyzes the situation.
Also in the update:
Trade unions and the works council have announced massive resistance to the savings plans of the VW car company. Up to 100,000 people could lose their jobs and four plants could be closed. VW’s supervisory board is meeting in Wolfsburg today. Max Hägler from the economics department explains what can happen next for the car manufacturer and its employees.
And otherwise? British singer Bonnie Tyler has died aged 75 but leaves behind immortal memories.
Moderation and production: Hannah Grünewald
Editor: Moses Fendel
Cooperation: Maximilian Renzikowski
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