A disgrace called judge election + high housing costs for citizens' allowance recipients

The good news: Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU, 69) actually still has a little free time for other topics than the election of the Federal Constitutional Court judges.

With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Tuesday.

This is what it's about: SPD leader Lars Klingbeil (47), despite opposition from the CDU/CSU, is sticking with the SPD candidate for the judicial election, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf (54). Just as against her, attacks from the right-wing populist spectrum are now also emerging against the second SPD candidate, Ann-Katrin Kaufhold (49). Once again, facts are being distorted.

That's why it's important: As important as constitutional judges are, the squabble over the selection of the right personnel for Germany's highest court is becoming a symbol of the federal government's inability to address the truly relevant issues facing the country: social and foreign policy security, economic prosperity, and migration.

Here's what's next: Behind the scenes, a compromise is being sought. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU, 69) isn't ruling out withdrawing all three proposed candidates – including his own CDU/CSU candidate, Günter Spinner (53). A solution is expected to be found over the summer recess – but the dispute could also escalate.

The attack on the second SPD candidate

This is the issue: Every year, billions of euros of European taxpayers' money flow from the EU budget to Hungary, often disappearing into a system of corruption and mismanagement. Transparency International criticizes Hungary for saying that the theft of these funds goes hand in hand with the dismantling of democracy.

Why it's important: The regime of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (62) is considered a role model by many right-wing populists in Europe. The fact that he is illegally co-financing his reign with EU funds undermines the Union's credibility.

Here's what's next: The EU Commission wants to include a rule of law clause in the new budget starting in 2028: no money without anti-corruption reforms. Whether Orbán succeeds in preventing this will be revealed by the negotiations in the coming months.

How Orbán's system is swallowing up Europe's taxpayers' money

What it's about: The ARD "summer interview" with AfD leader Alice Weidel (46) on Sunday was massively disrupted by an unannounced protest. The broadcaster nevertheless continued the interview and is now drawing conclusions for future broadcasts.

Why it's important: The incident raises questions about journalistic sovereignty, fairness, and the culture of debate. Critics see ARD's decision as a possible failure to respond professionally. The AfD sees itself as disadvantaged by the disruption, while others see the party as profiting.

Here's what's next: ARD is reviewing its security concepts and is in contact with the police and authorities. Future interviews may be moved to the studio. A repeat of this interview is not planned.

What follows from the disruptive action

What it's about: Chancellor Merz has proposed capping housing costs for recipients of the citizen's allowance. His coalition partner, the SPD, has harshly criticized the chancellor for this move.

Why it's important: The cost of the citizen's allowance is one of the coalition's biggest points of contention. The CDU/CSU sees a significant need for savings, while the SPD points to the requirements of the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe. Currently, the state spends more than one billion euros annually on housing costs for citizen's allowance recipients alone.

Here's what's next: The coalition dispute has been postponed, but isn't yet resolved. The issue is likely to become controversial again, especially when it comes to the 2026 federal budget.

How much the state contributes to the rent of citizens' allowance recipients

What it's about: The tourism industry in Greece is poised for a record year this year. Due to rising prices, many locals can no longer afford to vacation in their own country.

This is why it's important: The 40 million holidaymakers expected for 2025 represent more than four times the Greek population. In several southern European regions, there are concerns about "overtourism" – while survey data shows that 46 percent of Greeks can't even afford a week's vacation.

And so it continues: The Aegean islands, which are particularly popular with foreign tourists, are no longer an option for many domestic holidaymakers – partly due to the inflation of ferry ticket prices. Many people are therefore forced to resort to destinations on the mainland.

The dark side of a boom

We wish you a sunny disposition despite the heavy rain on Tuesday.

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