New government, old dispute: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (62, CDU) wants to spend even more money on defense, while his Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (47, SPD) can only with difficulty contain himself.
With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Friday.
This is what happened: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (62, CDU) stated at the informal NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Turkey that the German government supports calls for a new 5 percent target for NATO. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (47, SPD) reacted with a certain distance in an interview with the RND and warned: No one should rush ahead now.
This is why it's important: Increasing defense spending to five percent of gross domestic product would, in Germany's case, currently equate to approximately €215 billion in expenditures. This would exceed all previously known dimensions.
Here's what's next: There is agreement within the coalition and in large parts of NATO that defense spending will increase. The extent of the increase is expected to be determined by the NATO summit in June.
This is what it's all about: Poles will elect a new head of state on Sunday. Incumbent Andrzej Duda (52) is not allowed to run again. Thirteen men and women are running.
That's why it's important: The president can block laws – and that's exactly what the national conservative Duda has done repeatedly since the liberal government of Donald Tusk (68) took office two years ago. If Tusk's candidate, Rafal Trzaskowski (53), wins, the liberal coalition can govern.
Here's what's next: There will most likely be a runoff election on June 1 between Trzaskowski and the national conservative Karol Nawrocki (42). Only then can there be a fresh start for German-Polish relations.
This is what it's about: The FDP was just kicked out of the traffic light coalition government and then out of the Bundestag in the federal election in February. Its polls continue to be stable at under five percent. Its party conference begins today in Berlin.
That's why it's important: The delegates must lay the foundation for the party's survival. With the end of the era of party leader Christian Lindner (46) – who plans to bid farewell to office with a final speech – the first step has been taken.
Here's what's next: The FDP is electing a new leader today. Current FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr (48) is to revitalize the party—together with a largely new leadership team.
This is what happened: At the start of his European tour in Manchester, US rock star Bruce Springsteen (75) took a broad swipe at the government of Donald Trump (78).
This is why it's important: After Trump's election, the old America fell into a state of shock, the opposition was notable for its appeasement, and intellectuals and artists announced their intention to emigrate. Springsteen's speech is a plea to stay and stand up for freedom.
Here's what's next: Encouraged by Springsteen, other stars could speak out against Trump, thus encouraging the Democrats to once again engage in opposition work.
This is what happened: After last night's second semi-final, the field for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel is complete. On Saturday, the 26 acts will compete in the world's biggest music competition.
That's why it's important: Besides being a party, the Eurovision Song Contest is always about politics. For example, there are massive protests against Israel's participation because of the Gaza War. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael (24) is a survivor of the Hamas massacre – and is one of the Eurovision Song Contest favorites.
So it continues: 1,300 police officers and countless security personnel are supposed to ensure a peaceful Eurovision final. The betting offices see Germany's siblings Abor & Tynna (26 and 24 years old, "Baller") in the middle of the pack – that alone would be a fine success after so many failures.
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