Germany's SPD: Conservatives have 'broken out of political centre'
The parliamentary leader of Germany's governing Social Democrats (SPD) requested that an ongoing parliamentary session be paused following his shock at the approval of a motion in favour of a tighter migration policy.
The opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) relied on the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to push through the motion - although the government does not have to implement the proposals.
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich said it was impossible to "simply go back to business as usual" because the conservative bloc had "broken out of the political centre."
Ahead of the German election on February 23, mainstream parties had all said they would not work with the AfD.
But CDU leader Friedrich Merz, the favourite to be Germany's next chancellor, said he would accept the AfD's backing because of his strength of feeling over the migration issue.
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Hamilton Spectator
3 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
As Trump heads to the G7, Canada hopes to avoid another Charlevoix-style eruption
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He left early and lambasted Trudeau as 'very dishonest and weak' in a spat over tariffs. The summit included what Miller called the 'photograph for the ages' — of then German chancellor Angela Merkel and others standing sternly over a seated Donald Trump, who appeared to be glaring back with crossed arms. German Ambassador to Canada Matthias Lüttenberg put it bluntly when he told a June 4 panel that Ottawa was again navigating 'very difficult circumstances' as G7 chair — and capably, in his view. 'I mean, I wouldn't like to negotiate with a country at the table who's questioning my sovereignty as a state,' he said. Sen. Peter Boehm, who was summit head in 2018, recalled two late nights of negotiations because the Trump administration didn't align with the others on including climate change or references to the 'rules-based international order.' 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Miller said that wasn't just a gimmick — Trump loves making deals while teeing off, and it could provide Carney or others with hours of facetime on a golf cart, which is Trump's comfort zone. 'Golf has been pretty central to his life,' he said. 'It makes eminent sense to have Mr. Trump playing at a high-quality golf course.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2025.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
German state premier: Border checks need ongoing justification
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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
German foreign minister meets Saudi counterpart on Middle East tour
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