DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

92 episodes

Boost or bust the AfD? Inside Friedrich Merz’ gamble to reform Germany
08/07/2026 | 34 mins.
Can German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stop the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany? Germany's coalition government has launched sweeping reforms on the economy, pensions and welfare. In this episode of Berlin Briefing, DW’s Michaela Küfner and Matthew Moore examine with economist Marcel Fratzscher whether Germany's reform gamble can reverse the far-right populist surge.
250 Years of USA: Where Germany needs to pivot now
03/07/2026 | 36 mins.
As the United States marks 250 years of independence, Germany is confronting an uncomfortable question: can it still rely on its most important ally?
Former German ambassador to Washington Emily Haber joins DW's Nina Haase to discuss the future of transatlantic relations and how Europe may have to forge new alliances and capabilities on its own.
NATO under pressure: Can Germany be the European leader?
26/06/2026 | 31 mins.
In this Berlin Briefing special from the Global Media Forum, DW’s Nina Haase and Max Hofmann are joined by NATO expert Gerlinde Niehus and Maximilian Mayer from the University of Bonn to discuss: where does Germany hold real leverage and how can it help Europe become a strategic power?
Rewriting the past? Inside the AfD's history agenda
19/06/2026 | 36 mins.
Berlin Briefing looks at how Germany remembers the Holocaust and why it's being targeted by the far-right AfD. Björn Höcke rejects German collective guilt, blaming only the Nazi dictatorship. With Melanie Amann, author of "Fear for Germany: The truth about the AfD" and social scientist Jakob Schergaut, host Michaela Küfner examines the controversy and the AfD’s push to reshape history.
World Cup 2026: Can Germany’s football team save the government?
12/06/2026 | 35 mins.
As the World Cup kicks off, pundits in Germany are asking: Could success on the pitch help the coalition bounce back?
In Berlin Briefing, host Max Hofmann discusses with DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner, sports and politics expert Florian Bauer, and DW sports reporter Jonathan Harding whether this is the most political World Cup yet — and whether ‘die Mannschaft’ could lift the mood.

More News podcasts

Trending News podcasts

About DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

We break down how events like Russia's war in Ukraine and European security shifts are shaping Germany - and the world. Whether you’re a student, journalist, or policymaker, hosts Nina Haase, Michaela Küfner, and Richard Walker deliver the insights you need to understand where Germany is headed and why it matters, with a hint of Berlin's distinct energy. Published every Friday. Find us also on YouTube: @dwnews. Subscribe to our newsletter: dw.com/berlinbriefing. Leave us a comment here: newsletter@dw.com. Or find us on X: @dw_politics.

Podcast website

News News Commentary