The Latest Breaking News from Friedrich Merz

Merz Vows To Rev Up German Economic 'Growth Engine'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday pledged reforms and investment for Europe's biggest economy to transform it once again into a "growth engine" after two years of recession.

International Business Times · May 14, 2025

Fact check: Was cocaine on the table in Macron video with Starmer, Merz?

Photos of European leaders falsely suggest drugs; official clarifies item was tissue amid Russian disinformation claims.

Al Jazeera · May 14, 2025

Zelenskyy repeats vow to wait in Turkey for face-to-face talks with Putin

Ukrainian president says if Russian leader does not arrive it will indicate ‘that he does not want to end the war’

The Guardian - UK · May 13, 2025

Fact check: Macron, Merz and Starmer targeted by Russian 'cocaine' claims

The allegations that the leaders of France, Germany and the UK took drugs while on a train on their way to Kyiv are part of a wider Russian disinformation campaign.

Euronews · May 12, 2025

Von der Leyen, Costa and Metsola took private jet to Luxembourg event

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Brussels prompted a schedule change that led the three presidents to fly private to Luxembourg.

Euronews · May 12, 2025

Setback for Europe after Trump insists Ukraine has ‘immediate’ peace talks with Russia

Zelenskyy had no choice but to accept Putin’s invitation to talks, diplomats say

The Guardian - UK · May 12, 2025

Macron rubbishes cocaine train claims: ‘Fake news spread by France’s enemies’

France claims Russia’s military intelligence has stepped up efforts to spread disinformation about European leaders online

The Independent UK · May 12, 2025

France Condemns 'Fake News' Over Europe Leaders' Cocaine Accusation

The French presidency on Monday condemned "fake news" spread by "France's enemies" after social media accounts of far-right figures and Russian officials falsely claimed that European leaders including President Emmanuel Macron were seen taking drugs on a train.

International Business Times · May 12, 2025

Macron condemns 'cocaine train' fake news pushed by Russia as conspiracy theory goes viral

‘This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home. We must remain vigilant against manipulation,’ the Élysée Palace posted on X

Evening Standard · May 12, 2025

Drones Hit Ukraine As Zelensky Awaits Putin Reply On Talks

Russia fired more than 100 drones at Ukraine overnight, Kyiv said Monday as it awaits the Kremlin's response to Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin this week.

International Business Times · May 12, 2025