Morning Star: Merz v Merkel - Navigating the G7 Summit
Merkel's influence on Meredith: Morning update on the evolving scenario. - Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel Compared to a Local Brewery in Saxony, Named Merz?
by Yannik Schüller
Hey there, readers!
Germany's federal eagle has landed. If you're reading this, Friedrich Merz has stepped onto Canadian soil for his maiden G7 summit.
The big question is: can he pull off this diplomatic debut as gracefully as his rehearsal, the inaugural visit to Washington a few weeks prior? If Merz manages to navigate this political minefield relatively unscathed, he'll have a golden opportunity.
It might seem ironic, but it's not thanks to Trump's unpredictable mood swings that Merz has a chance. In fact, it's these mood swings that make Merz's task manageable.
In 2017, Angela Merkel skillfully used Trump's brash behaviour to her advantage, presenting herself as the leader of a reasonable alliance. Could Merz replicate her accomplishment?
In the end, it's not Trump's bitter attitude, but the iconic image of Merkel leaning towards the obstinate US president that remains etched in memory.
The position of leader of the free world may be up for grabs. If Merz decides to apply, he'd have strong chances.
Here in Berlin, even our colleagues can't hide their anticipation for Merz's Canadian appearance, feature in the current issue of "5-Minute Talk".
By this time tomorrow, the Western elite should have agreed on a common course of action regarding Iran/Israel. A daunting task, considering Trump's cordial relationship with Vladimir Putin.
How can such a deeply divided collective ever work together without forsaking its values and interests? Even if they manage to find a rare moment of unity, what does that truly mean?
The G7 are the Rolling Stones of world politics – a group past its prime, refusing to admit it. Time for a reboot?
Mini Playback Show on ZDF?
When it comes to what's typically German, roast pork with dumplings might spring to mind, but for me, it's something else: the ZDF Fernsehgarten. This show, they say, has committed severe acts against good taste. If I have to bear witness to the audience's off-beat clapping on the Mainz Lerchenberg one more minute, I'll be in tears.
Now, I'm known for my dramatic flair, but I'm not exaggerating much.
Curiously, in yesterday's broadcast, I noticed a handful of millennials, maybe even some Gen-Zers, who seemed to have voluntarily plunged into this entertainment abyss. They certainly didn't seem distressed.
The performance of singer Katja Ebstein, however, was the source of irritation, as T-Online's colleagues reported. Admittedly, she easiness performed a medley of her greatest hits only with the aid of a backing track, which some might interpret as singing to a playback. I, for one, can't claim expertise in Schlager or the Eurovision Song Contest, so I'll refrain from making judgments.
Danger by the Numbers
Recently, I penned a piece in morgen|stern, expressing my uneasiness in my hometown of Cologne. While my apprehension doesn't always surface everywhere, it's growing more frequent – even in broad daylight.
These feelings aren't just intuitive. According to the Federal Police, there were 609 knife attacks at German train stations in 2025, not counting U-Bahn stations.
What's On Today?
Not much out of the ordinary is brewing beyond the extraordinary. Fingers crossed for some excitement.
- The UN Climate Conference starts in Bonn. While it's more of a warm-up for the main event in Brazil in November, more than 5,000 participants are expected, including experts and/or politicians from all over the world.
- Israel and Iran continue their skirmishes, with no signs of abating. We'll keep you updated as always in our live blog.
- According to a media report, Scottish authorities categorize Oasis fans as "overweight and rowdy" in an internal security document. Liam Gallagher predictably blew a gasket. Rowdy, really? Boy, that's rich!
The Eastern Wisdom of the Day
I've spent more than two weeks reporting from South Korea, and now, just before heading home, the most powerful homesick craving kicks in: my German culinary heritage. So, let's talk Thai cuisine.
At least twice a week, I motorbike to my favorite Thai restaurant in Cologne's northern district and order dish number 102, Khao Pad with chicken, with gusto.
I don't pine for it simply because of the delicious taste. No, it's the fork that I miss – an invaluable invention that the Koreans seem to lack.
People use chopsticks in Korea, even though forks and spoons exist globally. It defies comprehension. I, for one, have yet to master chopsticks, despite numerous tutorials and practice. In Korea, the utensils aren't made of wood but metal, making the challenge even steeper.
It may look elegant, but why force oneself to cramp up the hands for aesthetic purposes? If aesthetics are the priority, why do Koreans cut their meat with scissors?
Friedrich Merz, Rolling Stones, ZDF, TV Garden, Angela Merkel, Iran, Israel, World Politics, Katja Ebstein, Liam Gallagher, Korea
Yannik Schüler
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the context of Merz's debut at the G7 Summit, considering the potential environmental impact of political decisions.
In the general news, the launch of the UN Climate Conference in Bonn and the ongoing skirmishes between Israel and Iran are issues of global significance that require the attention of world leaders, including those attending the G7 Summit.
