Skip next section WATCH: 100 days of Chancellor Merz — What do Germans think?08/13/2025August 13, 2025
WATCH: 100 days of Chancellor Merz — What do Germans think?
Jenni Graham
It’s 100 days since Friedrich Merz became Germany’s 10th postwar chancellor.
How do people think Merz and his coalition government are performing so far?
100 days of Chancellor Merz: What do Germans think?
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https://p.dw.com/p/4yu6R
Skip next section Crimes targeting asylum-seekers down so far in 2025
08/13/2025August 13, 2025
Crimes targeting asylum-seekers down so far in 2025
The first half of 2025 has seen fewer crimes targeting asylum-seekers and refugees outside places where they are being housed in comparison with the same period last year, according to a preliminary report by German police seen by the DPA news agency.
The report said that 648 offenses of this nature were registered up to June this year, a steep drop from the 1,236 reported in the first half of 2024.
The figures could, however, rise, as there is often a delay in reporting and motives for a crime sometimes only become clear after a full investigation.
In addition, some crimes go unreported.
Most of the offenses involved property damage, insults or incitement to hatred. Some of the cases also saw the use of forbidden symbols that are considered representative of unconstitutional organizations or of violence.
https://p.dw.com/p/4yuFv
Skip next section Human rights on the decline in Germany — US report08/13/2025August 13, 2025
Human rights on the decline in Germany — US report
Human rights, such as freedom of expression, are under threat in Germany and other European countries, according to the 2024 Human Rights Report by the US State Department.
“The human rights situation in Germany worsened during the year,” an executive summary of the report’s Germany entry said.
“Significant human rights issues included restrictions on freedom of expression and credible reports of crimes, violence, or threats of violence motivated by antisemitism,” the report said.
The report stated, however, that the German government “took some credible steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights abuses.”
The report, which in former years has been seen as a reliable point of reference for global human rights advocacy, has been criticized by human rights groups as containing numerous omissions and mischaracterizations to fit the current US administration’s political aims.
You can read DW’s full report here: Human rights worsening in Germany — US report
https://p.dw.com/p/4yu5F
Skip next section WATCH: What has Merz achieved during his first 100 days in office?08/13/2025August 13, 2025
WATCH: What has Merz achieved during his first 100 days in office?
It’s been a difficult first 100 days in office for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had hoped the first results of his chancellorship would be visible by late summer.
So far, polls show a majority of Germans are unconvinced. DW looks at some of the challenges he’s faced.
What has Merz achieved during his first 100 days in office?
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https://p.dw.com/p/4yu6K
Skip next section Germany swelters under summer heat wave
08/13/2025August 13, 2025
Germany swelters under summer heat wave
Germany is in the grip of a summer heatwave, with temperatures well above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) across much of the country.
The German Weather Service (DWD) expects highs of up to 37 degrees today, with only the northern coast seeing slightly cooler conditions. Thursday could be even hotter, with temperatures possibly reaching 38 degrees.
On Tuesday, the southwest state of Baden-Württemberg recorded one of the highest temperatures so far, 35.4 degrees near the French border.
The DWD has issued warnings about “intense heat” moving into northern Germany today and spreading eastward tomorrow.
Germany still has it better than other parts of Europe, where temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius were expected.
On Tuesday, temperatures in Spain reached 44 degrees in some regions.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ytfE
Skip next section Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks 100 days in office
08/13/2025August 13, 2025
Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks 100 days in office
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun curbing irregular immigration and shaping foreign policy, but cracks are also appearing in his coalition government.
August 13 marks the 100th day of his chancellorship, which began chaotically when he needed a second Bundestag vote to secure his position.
Lately, he has been facing criticism over his decision to suspend arms deliveries to Israel that could be used in Gaza.
DW’s Jens Thurau takes a look at the German chancellor’s bumpy honeymoon period.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ytpF
Skip next section German inflation remains at 2% in July
08/13/2025August 13, 2025
German inflation remains at 2% in July
Inflation in Germany stayed at 2.0% in July, compared to the same month last year.
Data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) shows prices rose by 0.3% from July.
“The rate of inflation has stabilised since the start of the year and remained unchanged again for two consecutive months,” Destatis President Ruth Brand said.
She said falling energy prices helped to keep inflation in check.
However, prices for services, like rent, travel, and personal care,are still rising faster than average, which is pushing inflation up.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ytfD
Skip next section Welcome to our coverage08/13/2025August 13, 2025
Welcome to our coverage
Guten Morgen from Bonn, where it is going to be hot, hot, hot today. The German Weather Service has issued heat warnings for large parts of the country.
The federal government is feeling a different kind of heat. As Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaches his 100th day in office, political analysts are beginning to evaluate his initial performance.
On the economic front, Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has released new data. We will examine these figures and other developments in today’s blog.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ytXP
