Black-Red: A "Noko" between Union and SPD

The Union is the clear winner of the early federal election, and Friedrich Merz (CDU) is likely to become the new Chancellor. But the victory is clouded: the Union fell short of its own expectations, and the SPD suffered a historic defeat. Nevertheless, both parties would have 328 seats together and could therefore form a government majority. According to SPD party leader Lars Klingbeil, the SPD only wants to enter into a coalition with the Union if the majority of its party members agree to this beforehand. But can this alliance even come about? And what are the biggest obstacles to coalition talks ? Peter Dausend is political editor of ZEIT in Berlin. In his podcast, he explains why there can be no talk of a Groko - a grand coalition - but rather a Noko - an emergency coalition . He also analyses which compromises are needed for cooperation.

Around two dozen employees of the newly created US Office for Government Efficiency have resigned in protest . The office is headed by Elon Musk , who wants to uncover waste in US federal agencies . But his actions have caused massive resentment - the FBI and the Pentagon have also sharply criticized Musk. Particularly controversial: an email in which government employees were asked to justify their work over the past week - anyone who does not respond is considered fired. Is this a resistance against Elon Musk or just a power struggle within the US government? Heike Buchter writes for ZEIT ONLINE from New York. In the podcast she assesses the situation.

And what else? Costume ideas for Carnival

Moderation and production: Elise Landschek

Editor: Pia Rauschenberger

Collaboration: Susanne Hehr , Konstantin Hadži-Vuković

You can find all episodes of our podcast here . Questions, criticism, suggestions? You can reach us at [email protected] .