Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025
Outside the box.
Skip music »

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “The Current Welfare State Can No Longer Be Financed”

Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared in Osnabrück that Germany’s welfare system can no longer be sustained by the economy. The comments come amid ongoing debates over the retirement age, pension payments, and the use of German taxpayers’ money for generous financial support to non-German migrants.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in a speech in Osnabrück on August 23 that “the existing welfare state can no longer be financed from what the economy produces.” His remarks place him in sharp conflict with coalition partners from the SPD, who oppose cuts to benefits.

The speech comes against the backdrop of an ongoing debate in Germany regarding raising the retirement age, pension allowances, and assistance for refugees, and it has sparked concerns of a potential rift within the coalition.
Add Comment
Newsletter
Related Articles

The Art of the Peace Deal: Trump Uses U.S. Energy Power to End Ukraine-Russia War and Dominate China.

Washington uses energy leverage to push for a Ukraine ceasefire, open billion-dollar deals, and weaken Russia-China ties.

Manhunt in Australia: Armed Anti-Government Suspect Kills Police Officers Sent to Arrest Him

A 56-year-old man suspected of sexual offenses ambushed officers in Victoria, killing two, injuring one, and fleeing into a forest. Police describe him as a 'sovereign citizen' ...

China Launches World’s Most Powerful Neutrino Detector

China has unveiled the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), now considered the world’s most advanced facility for detecting neutrinos, often referred to as ‘ghost p...

How Beijing-Linked Networks Shape Elections in New York City

Over the past five years, more than fifty organizations with ties to Beijing have raised money for or endorsed candidates in New York City elections, despite many being register...

Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Fled War To US, Stabbed To Death

A homeless career criminal killed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska at a train station in North Carolina after she fled Ukraine to seek a safer life in the United States.

Elon Musk Sues Apple and OpenAI Over Alleged App Store Monopoly

Musk alleges exclusive deal makes ChatGPT dominant on iPhones, limiting choice and innovation in AI apps. Complaint claims Apple’s integration of ChatGPT into iPhones stifles in...

2 Australian Police Shot Dead In Encounter In Rural Victoria State

The violent encounter took place in Porepunkah, which lies at the foot of a mountain in northeast Victoria, police and media said.

Trump Says U.S. Holds 'Incredible Cards' Over China but Reaffirms Positive Ties

U.S. president signals leverage over Beijing while highlighting continued dialogue with Xi Jinping

Majority of Voters Support Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.

National survey shows more than half of Americans back federal action, with strong Republican and independent approval

Famous Celebrities With Unexpected Degrees

Behind the spotlight, many stars hold degrees in fields as diverse as psychology, law, astrophysics, and economics

Iran Faces Escalating Water Crisis as Protests Spread

Severe shortages leave millions without water; at least three killed during nationwide demonstrations

White House Says National Guard Deployments in 19 States Unrelated to Trump’s Crime Crackdown

Up to 1,700 troops to assist Homeland Security with immigration enforcement while separate Guard operations continue in Washington, D.C.
Playlist Hide
0:00
0:00
Open
0:00
0:00
Close
The Art of the Peace Deal: Trump Uses U.S. Energy Power to End Ukraine-Russia War and Dominate China.
Manhunt in Australia: Armed Anti-Government Suspect Kills Police Officers Sent to Arrest Him
China Launches World’s Most Powerful Neutrino Detector
How Beijing-Linked Networks Shape Elections in New York City
Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Fled War To US, Stabbed To Death
Elon Musk Sues Apple and OpenAI Over Alleged App Store Monopoly
2 Australian Police Shot Dead In Encounter In Rural Victoria State
Trump Says U.S. Holds 'Incredible Cards' Over China but Reaffirms Positive Ties
Majority of Voters Support Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.
Iran Faces Escalating Water Crisis as Protests Spread
White House Says National Guard Deployments in 19 States Unrelated to Trump’s Crime Crackdown
Vietnam Evacuates Hundreds of Thousands as Typhoon Kajiki Strikes; China’s Sanya Shuts Down
Fake ‘Lafufus’ Spread as Pop Mart’s Labubu Craze Drives Global Boom
Japan and South Korea Pledge Deeper Cooperation in First Joint Statement in Seventeen Years
UK Government Delays Decision on China’s Proposed London Embassy Amid Concerns Over Redacted Plans
More Than Half a Million Evacuated as Typhoon Kajiki Heads for Vietnam
A 150-Year Tradition to Be Abolished? Uproar Over the Popular Central Park Attraction
A new faith called Robotheism claims artificial intelligence isn’t just smart but actually God itself
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “The Current Welfare State Can No Longer Be Financed”
HSBC Switzerland Ends Relationships with Over 1,000 Clients from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, and Egypt
Italian Facebook Group Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent Shut Down Amid Police Investigation
Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Deadlock Over Israel Sanctions
Trump and Allies Send Messages of Support to Ukraine on Independence Day Amid Ongoing Conflict
China Reels as Telegram Chat Group Shares Hidden-Camera Footage of Women and Children
Australia Wants to Tax Your Empty Bedrooms
MotoGP Cameraman Narrowly Avoids Pedro Acosta Crash at Hungarian Grand Prix
FBI Investigates John Bolton Over Classified Documents in High-Profile Raids
Asia Moves Fast on Stablecoin Policy as U.S. Enacts First Federal Framework
Bunkers, Billions and Apocalypse: The Secret Compounds of Zuckerberg and the Tech Giants
Ukraine Declares De Facto War on Hungary and Slovakia with Terror Drone Strikes on Their Gas Lifeline
A monster hit and a billion-dollar toy empire
Animated K-pop Musical ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Original Animated Film
New York Appeals Court Voids Nearly $500 Million Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump While Upholding Fraud Liability
Canada: Nurse Suspended and Fined 93 Thousand Dollars After Stating the World’s Most Well-Known Fact Since the Creation of Adam and Eve, That There Are Only Two Genders
Elon Musk tweeted, “Europe is dying”
Turning Up the Volume: Kim’s Powerful Sister Opposes Talks with the South and the U.S.
"Learn from Our Mistake": Chicago Residents Send Message to New York Voters
Far-Right Activist Convicted of Incitement Changes Gender and Demands: "Send Me to a Women’s Prison" | The Storm in Germany
Hungary Criticizes Ukraine: "Violating Our Sovereignty"
From Warren Buffett to Michael Burry: The world’s most influential investors bet on a stock that has plunged 40%
Child-free hotels spark controversy
North Korea is where this 95-year-old wants to die. South Korea won’t let him go. Is this our ally or a human rights enemy?
Hong Kong Launches Regulatory Regime and Trials for HKD-Backed Stablecoins
Spain to Declare Disaster Zones After Massive Wildfires
Three-Minute Battery Swap Touted as Future of EVs
Beijing Military Parade to Showcase Weapons Advances
U.S. Tech Stocks Slide on AI Boom Concerns
White House Confirms Talks Over Intel Stake
Trump Suggests U.S. Could Support Ukraine ‘By Air’
China rehearses September 3 Victory Day parade as imagery points to ‘loyal wingman’ FH-97 family presence
×