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Merz Secures Coalition with SPD Amid Trade War Fears and Rising AfD Support

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German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has successfully formed a coalition government with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), aiming to revitalize the country’s sluggish economy amid growing global trade tensions. After weeks of negotiation following February’s inconclusive election, the deal was announced Wednesday, just as fears of a global recession mount due to escalating tariffs triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump. At a press conference, Merz declared “Germany is back on track,” pledging tax cuts, increased defence spending, and a push to strengthen the electric vehicle industry.

The coalition agreement outlines major economic reforms, including lowering energy prices, scrapping a controversial supply chain law, and revisiting Germany’s strict “debt brake” policy. It also signals a harder stance on migration, with plans to restrict asylum processes and introduce voluntary military service. While Merz emphasized unity within the EU as a key to navigating global trade disputes, the coalition aims for a future transatlantic free trade deal. The CDU will control the chancellery, foreign, and economy ministries, while the SPD is expected to lead finance and defence, potentially retaining Boris Pistorius as defence minister.

However, the new government faces immediate challenges, as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has overtaken Merz’s conservatives in the latest Ipsos poll with 25% support. Despite Merz’s push for a borrowing-driven investment plan to boost infrastructure and defence, critics argue it undermines fiscal discipline. Economists warn that swift implementation of agreed policies is vital to cushioning Germany’s export-heavy economy from further trade shocks and averting a third straight year of recession.

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Britain Faces Economic Risks from U.S. Tariffs, Seeks Better Trade Terms

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Britain is confronting potential economic risks from U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs but has chosen not to retaliate, instead focusing on securing improved trade terms, Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds stated on Thursday. While the UK was spared the harshest penalties, facing a 10% levy compared to 20% or higher for other nations, its economy remains exposed to the broader consequences of a global trade slowdown.

Reynolds emphasized that as a globally oriented trading economy, Britain is particularly vulnerable to any disruptions in the international trade system. Speaking to Times Radio, he reaffirmed the government’s strategy of diplomatic negotiation, including closer alignment with the U.S. on key sectors like technology, in hopes of securing an economic deal that could lead to a reversal of the tariffs.

Despite adopting a measured approach, Reynolds made it clear that Britain would not rule out a response if the tariffs significantly harmed its economy. “We’ve got to reserve every right that we have to respond to this if we need to,” he said, while stressing the importance of maintaining a “cool-headed” strategy to navigate the challenges posed by the U.S. trade policy.

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Investors Pull Back as European Stocks Rally Faces Trade War Risks

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Investors are scaling back on European stocks and the euro after a strong first quarter, fearing that optimism over economic stimulus may have been overstated. Major asset managers, including Amundi and Legal & General Investment Management, are reducing bullish bets amid concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s impending trade tariffs set to be announced on April 2. Market strategists warn that a full-blown trade war could stall Europe’s sluggish recovery, with German stocks and the broader STOXX 600 already seeing declines following Trump’s recent 25% levy on car imports.

While European equities have outperformed U.S. stocks this year—STOXX 600 is up 7% compared to the S&P 500’s 3% drop—analysts suggest that the easy gains are over. The euro, which had fluctuated between $1.01 in February and a five-month high of $1.095 in March, remains vulnerable to shifts in market sentiment. Amundi’s head of global FX, Andreas Koenig, indicated that they would refrain from betting on further euro gains, wary of market reversals should tariffs strengthen the dollar. Meanwhile, asset managers like Russell Investments and Royal London Asset Management maintain a slight preference for European stocks but are hesitant to increase their positions further.

Despite cautious optimism, concerns persist over Europe’s long-term economic trajectory. Former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi previously warned of Europe’s “slow agony,” calling for industrial policy reforms and investment boosts. While some investors believe fiscal stimulus could provide limited support, analysts argue that European markets need fresh catalysts, such as the implementation of Draghi’s recommendations, to sustain further growth. However, the looming trade tariff decision on April 2 remains a critical factor that could shift market dynamics and determine whether Europe can weather the global economic uncertainty.

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Putin and Trump Discuss Ceasefire, Agree to Halt Attacks on Energy Sites

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure following a lengthy call with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Putin declined to endorse a full 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine had already accepted. The Kremlin stated that the pause in strikes was ordered after discussions with Trump, though Putin expressed concerns that Ukraine could use the time to rearm.

The White House announced that further negotiations, including talks on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and a broader peace deal, would begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggested that reaching a complete ceasefire was within reach, though experts noted that Russia had made minimal concessions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized Putin’s refusal to agree to a full ceasefire, warning against attempts to prolong the war.

The discussion between Trump and Putin comes as Russian forces continue their advance in eastern Ukraine. The limited ceasefire has raised concerns among European allies, who worry that Trump’s approach signals a shift in U.S. policy toward normalizing relations with Moscow. Meanwhile, Ukraine insists that any peace talks must include European leaders and maintain Ukraine’s sovereignty without territorial concessions.

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EU Leaders Push for Increased Defence Spending Amid U.S. Uncertainty

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European Union leaders are set to endorse bold measures to boost defence spending and reaffirm support for Ukraine during a high-stakes summit in Brussels on Thursday. The meeting, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, comes amid growing concerns over the U.S.’s shifting stance on military aid under Donald Trump. French President Emmanuel Macron has stressed the need for Europe to prepare for its own security, even suggesting that France’s nuclear arsenal could be extended to protect EU allies. Meanwhile, Germany is moving to loosen borrowing limits to fund additional defence spending, and the European Commission has proposed mobilizing up to €800 billion for European defence.

Despite widespread European support for Ukraine, internal divisions remain, with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatening to veto a statement backing Kyiv. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed a military aid pledge of at least €20 billion for Ukraine in 2025, but disagreements persist over contributions, with Nordic and Baltic nations urging larger commitments from France, Italy, and Spain. Paris, Rome, and Madrid reject claims they are not doing enough, arguing that public figures do not fully reflect their military contributions.

The summit highlights the deepening geopolitical rift as Europe seeks to bolster its security in the face of a potentially reduced U.S. role. Trump’s mixed signals on NATO and Ukraine have fueled concerns about European defence autonomy, prompting urgent discussions on coordinated military efforts. While most EU nations are eager to reassure Ukraine of continued support, Orban’s opposition underscores lingering fractures within the bloc. European leaders are now working to finalize concrete defence measures and financial commitments to safeguard the continent’s security.

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European Leaders Push for Defense Boost Amid Divisions Over Ukraine Peacekeepers

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European leaders met in Paris on Monday for emergency talks on strengthening the continent’s defense capabilities, agreeing on the need for increased military spending but remaining divided over the possibility of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine. The meeting, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to hold direct peace talks with Russia, excluding European allies and Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the idea of a European peacekeeping mission but stressed the necessity of U.S. security commitments, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed skepticism about the feasibility and effectiveness of such an initiative.

Leaders also emphasized that any ceasefire in Ukraine should be tied to a comprehensive peace agreement to prevent further Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, after a call with Macron, insisted that security guarantees must be “robust and reliable” to avoid another conflict. Meanwhile, European officials acknowledged the urgent need to bolster their defense budgets, with some advocating for loosening EU fiscal rules to accommodate higher military expenditures. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Russia posed a broader threat to Europe, underscoring the necessity for a stronger European defense strategy.

As European leaders debated their approach, senior U.S. and Russian officials arrived in Saudi Arabia for high-level peace talks set to begin on Tuesday. The discussions, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, are expected to focus on the future of U.S.-Russia relations and the potential for a settlement in Ukraine. Despite signs of differing objectives, both sides expressed a willingness to explore diplomatic solutions. Russia has ruled out territorial concessions, while Trump’s team has positioned itself as problem-solvers seeking economic and strategic cooperation between Washington and Moscow.

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Danish PM suffered whiplash in street attack

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Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, was unexpectedly attacked while walking in Copenhagen’s city center, leaving her shocked and with minor whiplash. The assailant, swiftly apprehended, prompted concern over the motive behind the assault. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incident, echoing sentiments against such violence in Europe. Witnesses described the assailant’s forceful push on Frederiksen, who managed to avoid falling completely but sought recovery at a nearby café.

The attack, occurring just before Denmark’s EU election, raises concerns over political safety. Frederiksen’s Social Democrats, though still leading in polls, have experienced declining support. Colleagues expressed solidarity and shock over the assault, while EU officials denounced it vehemently.

Frederiksen, at 46, became Denmark’s youngest prime minister in 2019, known internationally for her disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland’s purchase suggestion. Additionally, her government’s mink culling during the Covid-19 pandemic drew criticism in 2022.

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Trump will not give a penny to Ukraine – Hungary PM Orban

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently stated that if Donald Trump were to be re-elected as the President of the United States, he would not provide funding for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion. Orban asserted that Trump has made assurances to swiftly end the conflict if elected again, albeit without offering detailed plans. According to Orban, Ukraine lacks the capacity to sustain the war without financial and military support from the United States.

Orban’s vocal support for Trump was evident during his recent visit to Florida, where he met with the former president. Notably, Orban did not arrange a meeting with the incumbent US President, Joe Biden. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly as it’s unusual for a visiting foreign leader not to meet with the current administration. Orban’s stance on Ukraine stands in contrast to many European Union leaders who advocate for providing aid to Ukraine and criticize Orban’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Concerns are growing within the international community that a potential second Trump presidency could lead to a reduction in US assistance to Ukraine and NATO. The deadlock in the US Congress over a foreign aid bill further exacerbates these worries. Influenced by Trump’s stance, Republican lawmakers are insisting on additional funding for border security before advancing the bill. Trump himself has suggested offering loans to Ukraine instead of providing aid without conditions.

Meanwhile, as Russian forces continue to make gains in eastern Ukraine, the country faces acute shortages of ammunition. Ukraine heavily relies on weaponry from the US and other Western allies to counter Russia’s significant military strength. The ongoing conflict underscores the critical importance of international support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

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Putin says he prefers Joe Biden over Donald Trump in the White House

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a preference for a Joe Biden presidency over Donald Trump ahead of the US election, citing Biden’s experience and predictability. Putin’s comments mark a departure from his previous praise of Trump before his first run for president in 2016. Despite Biden’s criticism of Putin, the Russian president believes Biden’s leadership would be better for Russia due to his political background.

Putin dismissed concerns about Biden’s age and mental health, stating that he did not notice any issues during their last meeting in 2021. However, he criticized Biden’s condemnation of the war in Ukraine as “extremely harmful and erroneous.” Despite his preference, Putin emphasized that Russia would work with any US president who gains the trust of the American public.

These remarks contrast with Trump’s previous statements suggesting a strong rapport with Putin, although Trump’s recent remarks about encouraging Russia to attack NATO members have drawn criticism from NATO officials.

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Jamie Foxx accused of sexual assault at NYC rooftop bar in 2015

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A woman has filed a lawsuit against Jamie Foxx, accusing the renowned actor of sexually assaulting her at a New York City restaurant eight years ago. The legal action alleges that Foxx, whose real name is Eric Marlon Bishop, inappropriately touched the unnamed woman after she approached him for a photo. Foxx’s representatives have yet to provide a response to the BBC’s request for comment on the matter.

The incident is said to have taken place in the early morning hours of August 26, 2015, at Catch NYC. According to the lawsuit, Foxx, appearing intoxicated, complimented the woman on her appearance, led her to a secluded area of the restaurant, and proceeded to touch her breasts and put his hands in her underwear without her consent. The situation reportedly concluded when the woman’s friend intervened.

In addition to suing Foxx, the accuser is seeking damages from the restaurant and bar owner, Mark Birnbaum, who was allegedly seated with Foxx shortly before the incident. The lawsuit claims that Birnbaum and the restaurant’s staff breached their duty of care by failing to protect the plaintiff. Mark Birnbaum has not yet responded to inquiries from the BBC.

The legal action asserts that the woman continues to endure severe emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other physical and emotional damages as a result of the alleged assault. Notably, this lawsuit is filed just days before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act, allowing victims of sex crimes to pursue legal action even after the statute of limitations has lapsed. The act has been previously invoked in cases involving public figures like Donald Trump, Sean Combs, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr, and Russell Brand. Despite the serious accusations, Jamie Foxx has remained silent on the matter as the legal proceedings unfold.

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