Who is Friedrich Merz, and why is the world watching Germany’s new chancellor? In this special monologue, Claudia Koestler, co-host of the Over Here, Over There podcast, dives into the dramatic rise, fall, and stunning comeback of Friedrich Merz. Discover his unique biography, from corporate lawyer to CDU leader, his years in political exile, and his return to power at age 69. Claudia unpacks the controversies, the coalition drama, and what Merz’s conservative, transatlantic vision means for Germany, Europe, and the world. Whether you’re a politics buff or just curious about global leadership, this episode brings you the insights and stories behind the headlines. Subscribe for more international perspectives!

Takeaways

• Friedrich Merz has a complex political history
• His rivalry with Angela Merkel shaped his career
• Merz's return marks a shift in CDU leadership
• He is perceived as arrogant and divisive
• His approach to the far-right is controversial
• Merz's policies may be more confrontational than his predecessor
• He faces challenges in a fragmented Bundestag
• Public perception of Merz is mixed and critical
• His leadership could impact transatlantic relations
• The future of German politics is uncertain under Merz

Please see this and other 'Over Here, Over There' episodes at www.overhereoverthere.org. Please don't forget to like, subscribe, and add to the discussion. Thank you!

Summary

Over Here, Over There podcast hosts Claudia Koestler and Dan Harris discuss the current political landscape in Germany and the EU, as Dan was passing through Munich Franz Joseph Flughafen (Airport) enjoy a which also included a delicious alkohol-frei Pilsner beer. On tap was the light of recent tariffs and the shifting dynamics of international relations. Claudia emphasizes the need for Europe to find its own voice and unity in the absence of a reliable US partnership, while also addressing the implications of rising right-wing politics within the EU. Dan, being a multi-national citizen, concludes with reflections on the evolving special relationship between the UK and the US post-Brexit, with Italy and Georgia Meloni's government getting a special mention.

Takeaways

• The German government needs to find its backbone and voice
• Europe must seek independence and shared values
• China is forming alliances while the US is less reliable
• Trust issues in partnerships are becoming more pronounced
• Multilateralism is challenged by current US politics
• Europe needs to present a united front for democracy
• The UK-US special relationship is under scrutiny post-Brexit
• Right-wing politics are gaining traction in some EU countries
• Countries are pursuing their own agendas within the EU
• The future of EU unity depends on overcoming internal divisions

So Donald Trump is back in the Oval Office - but to what consequences? In this episode of Over Here, Over There, German journalist Claudia Koestler and US/UK commentator Dan Harris dive deep into the whirlwind first 100 days of Trump’s second term. From Berlin to London and beyond, Claudia and Dan unpack the personal and political fallout:

• How have Trump’s executive orders, tariffs, and global shakeups changed daily life and travel for Europeans and Americans alike?
• Is Germany still a safe haven, is the US now too unpredictable to visit?
• What do Europeans really think about “America First,” and how are protests and politics shifting on both sides of the Atlantic?
• Can the EU find unity in the face of US unpredictability, or will divisions (like Hungary’s stance) hold it back?

With honest, sometimes raw, and always insightful perspectives, this episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about how Trump’s policies reverberate far beyond US borders. Tune in for a transatlantic conversation you won’t hear anywhere else!

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the debate in the comments: How do YOU see the US and Europe changing in Trump’s second term?

#Trump2025 #EuropeReacts #OverHereOverThere #PoliticalPodcast #Transatlantic #TrumpSecondTerm