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Under pressure: Can Merz steer Germany through 2026?

March 13, 2026

Germany enters a defining political year as five regional elections could shift power amid energy tensions. The Greens surge in Baden‑Württemberg with Cem Özdemir, while the SPD’s slump raises reform doubts.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AMVW

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The Berlin Briefing Team

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Chapters:

00:00 – 03:18  A Weakened Economy Under New Stress

03:19 – 06:31 SPD under Pressure

06:32 – 08:01 Why Voters Shifted to the Greens

08:02 – 10:15The Rise of Cem Özdemir

10:16 – 12:06 Campaign Strategy

12:07 – 13:44 Election Night Dynamics   

13:45 – 18:38 Coalition Impact 

18:39 – 24:58 The AfD and the Firewall

24:59 – 27:19 Keeping Germany Economically Attractive 

27:20 – 31:00 The Need to Be Pragmatic  

29:01 – 31:21 Merz’s (Inter)National Route

31:22 – 32:59Upcoming State Election

33:00 – 35:52 Germany at a Political Crossroads

 

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