The German Chancellor completes his visit to the Oval Office without any incidents, but US President Donald Trump (78) attacks his short-term ally Elon Musk (53) all the more violently.
With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Friday.
This is what happened: Chancellor Friedrich Merz (69, CDU) made his inaugural visit to US President Trump. Fears of a public scandal proved unfounded; on the contrary, the German guest was praised.
That's why it's important: Merz has achieved his goal of strengthening the dialogue with Trump. This is an important signal, also to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (72).
Here's what's next: Trump has accepted an invitation from Merz to Germany – a date for the visit has not yet been set.
This is what happened: The alliance between Donald Trump and Elon Musk seems to have finally broken up, with both engaging in an open mudslinging match with personal attacks.
That's why it's important: The dispute between the most powerful and the richest man in the world could lead to further camp formation in the USA and thus have far-reaching consequences - both politically and economically.
Here's what's going on: Trump is threatening to cut billions in subsidies for Musk's company - Tesla shares have already plummeted.
This is what happened: NATO defense ministers have approved the largest arms buildup since the Cold War. Germany alone needs 50,000 to 60,000 additional soldiers.
Why it's important: Intelligence indicates the possibility that Russia could attack a NATO country in a few years. The alliance wants to maintain its deterrent effect with this arms buildup plan.
Here's what's next: Before the NATO summit in The Hague in three weeks, the allies still have to agree on a timetable for implementing the defense investment targets.
This is what happened: In the local elections a year ago, the AfD triumphed in many eastern districts and is the strongest party. The firewall is crumbling in many places.
That's why it's important: the other parties, especially the CDU, must develop new strategies – otherwise they won't be able to stop the AfD's rise at the local level.
Here's what's next: The eastern CDU is hoping for a boost from the federal government—there, the AfD's vote growth has slowed in recent polls. But these are just snapshots.
What it's about: Thomas Mann (1875 to 1955) is a Nobel Prize winner for literature and was an important, critical voice from exile during the Nazi era. Today marks the 150th anniversary of his birth.
That's why it's important: Thomas Mann can still be a role model today - he formulated the idea that we cannot take democracy for granted, but that it is the task of each and every individual to live it, as early as 1922.
Here's what's next: Mann's 150th birthday will be celebrated today with a ceremony at St. Aegidien Church in Lübeck. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (69, SPD) and Schleswig-Holstein's Minister-President Daniel Günther (51, CDU) are invited as speakers.
We wish you a relaxing Whitsun weekend.
PS: If you still have time...
… then we recommend our reading recommendations for the long Whitsun weekend:
Capital Radar: Personal impressions and background information from the government district. Every Thursday.
Life and Us: The guide to health, well-being and the whole family – every other Thursday.
US radar: What's moving the United States: RND's US experts provide context and background information. Every Tuesday.
The RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) with its hundreds of correspondents provides you with information about Germany, the world, and a growing number of regions and cities in Germany, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use our RND app and rnd.de. Learn more about our network and our partner editorial offices at rnd.de/netzwerk .
