On January 21, 2025, the popular German talk show "Markus Lanz" returns to ZDF with another engaging lineup of guests ready to discuss pressing political and social topics. Since its inception, the show has become central to ZDF's programming, airing three times weekly, it offers viewers insightful conversations and analyses on current events related to politics, society, and special life stories.
This episode, hosted by Markus Lanz, addresses the significant political shift brought about by the reelection of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States. With the international ramifications of his presidency hanging heavy, the discussion is set to unravel the impacts on global security and trade, particularly concerning transatlantic relations.
Guests on the Evening of January 21, 2025
The diverse group of guests offers viewers varied perspectives on the prevailing political themes:
Sigmar Gabriel, former Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister from the SPD party, lends his expertise to the discussion. He will be addressing the repercussions of Trump's return to the White House, particularly focusing on how this event reshapes international security dynamics and the state of transatlantic trade relations. According to ZDF's report, Gabriel stresses the importance of reevaluated relationships between nations under the new US administration.
Next, Bodo Ramelow, the Left Party politician and former Minister-President of Thuringia, brings attention to his initiative dubbed the “Mission Silberlocke,” aiming to secure seats for himself, Gregor Gysi, and Dietmar Bartsch within the Bundestag. He is expected to share insights on his party's strategies and position moving forward, discussing how the current political climate could affect their programmatic approach as they eye the Bundestag.
The discussion will also feature Anne Hähnig, the editorial director of "Zeit Online," who will provide her analysis on the Left Party's condition and their electoral prospects. Her insights will be instrumental for viewers seeking to understand the inner workings and challenges faced by the Left Party as they navigate changing political landscapes.
Lastly, Elmar Theveßen, serving as ZDF's Washington correspondent, will report on Trump’s key actions one day after his assumption of office. Theveßen's firsthand insights from Washington promise to equip the audience with necessary knowledge about how the newly reinstated president plans to govern and the immediate challenges he faces.
The program, typically structured as a 75-minute long discourse, allows for deep dives and extensive conversations among the guests, contradicting the often surface-level discussions found on platforms elsewhere. Interestingly, the show's format has adapted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaning more heavily toward political discourse than before, indicating shifts not only within the show but also within the wider public appetite for political discussion.
Broadcast Details
“Markus Lanz” airs typically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the late evening, with broadcasts starting between 10:45 PM and midnight, giving viewers a chance to catch up with current events just before winding down for the night. For those who miss the live airing, ZDF provides the convenience of catching past episodes through its media library, allowing flexible viewing options.
Alongside “Markus Lanz,” ZDF features other political talk shows such as “hart aber fair” on Mondays, “maischberger” on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and “Maybrit Illner” on Thursdays, broadening viewers’ opportunities for engaging with the political discourse surrounding them.
Each episode of "Markus Lanz" not only refreshes the audience's perspective on current events but also serves as a reflection of how society grapples with change. By discussing multifaceted issues through the lens of distinguished guests, the talk show encourages viewers to think critically about the world around them.
Given the current volatile international climate, especially following significant changes like the reelection of Donald Trump, the insights shared by Gabriel, Ramelow, Hähnig, and Theveßen are poised to resonate with viewers seeking clarity amid uncertainty. The discussions during this episode aim not only to reflect on political themes but also to understand their broader societal impacts, fostering informed dialogue among the public.