Only one person has ruled longer than Angela Merkel: Jean-Claude Juncker. The former Luxembourg prime minister and EU Commission president comes from the same party family. In an interview with Charlotte Wirth, he advises the CDU/CSU to let the SPD form the government. Juncker does not expect a sharp change of course in German European policy.
By Charlotte Wirth
What lies ahead for Germany's international relations after the Merkel era? Five theses on developments under the next chancellor. The EU will continue to liberate itself from the US – at the same time, Germany's role could improve if it plays its cards right.
By Redaktion Table
During her time as chancellor, Angela Merkel has accompanied China's rise to become a major power. In 16 years, she always sought a middle path between cooperation and confrontation – and always had German companies in mind. At the same time, she showed a genuine interest in the country. A stronger China policy is expected after the end of her chancellorship.
By Christiane Kuehl
The left positioned itself clearly on Russia and is also calling for withdrawal from NATO. But what is its position on China? The deputy chairman of the German-Chinese parliamentary group in the German Bundestag, Stefan Liebich, does not want to take a nostalgic or anti-communist view of China. In our interview, he warns against turning the human rights issue into a vehicle for asserting economic interests. At the same time, Germany should not overestimate itself. The interview with Liebich was conducted by Felix Lee. Here, you can find more interviews with top representatives of German politics ahead of the 2021 federal elections.
By Felix Lee
Angela Merkel's personal closeness to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has left its mark on the German neighbor's EU policy. Even before the federal election, it is clear that Rutte is now searching for his own way.
By Redaktion Table
Jan Hecker was one of Angela Merkel's closest confidants. The Chancellor purposely sent her chief foreign policy advisor to Beijing, so that Germany would be represented by an experienced and decisive diplomat. Hecker has now passed unexpectedly after only a few days in office.
By Michael Radunski
