On February 27, 2025, the renowned political talk show "Maybrit Illner" will explore the pressing issues surrounding Germany's defense policy, focusing on the controversial dealings of former U.S. President Donald Trump and the future responsibilities of Germany under newly appointed CDU leader Friedrich Merz. Titled "Trump Dealt, Europe Pays – What Is Merz Doing?", the episode is set to air at 22:15 (CET) on ZDF.
The high expectations for Friedrich Merz come at a time when Trump has been accused of prioritizing deals with leaders like Vladimir Putin over support for Ukraine, raising significant concerns about Europe's security and defense. The show, hosted by the experienced journalist Maybrit Illner, promises to stir discussions around whether Merz’s proposed defense reforms, which may involve substantial borrowing, will garner the necessary support from the SPD (Social Democratic Party) and how these financial decisions could be made under the existing parliament.
The lineup for this episode includes several notable guests:
- Jens Spahn (CDU), Deputy Leader of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group
- Wolfgang Schmidt (SPD), Head of the Federal Chancellery
- Sarah Pagung, Political Scientist, Körber Foundation, specializing in international politics
- Marina Weisband, Publicist and Green Party politician, born in Kyiv with dual German-Ukrainian citizenship
- Elmar Theveßen, Head of ZDF's Washington Studio
The central theme of the evening will revolve around several pointed questions, including whether the SPD will fundamentally support Merz's defense financing initiatives, if the strained relationship with the U.S. can be repaired with money alone, and whether Germany might need to commit troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping missions.
Maybrit Illner’s show has been addressing contemporary issues since 1999. She is known for her incisive questioning and ability to draw insightful commentary from her guests. The forthcoming episode’s discussion will be particularly relevant as Germany navigates complex geopolitical realities following the unprecedented military actions taken by Russia against Ukraine.
The financial and political stakes are high; securing funds to fortify both the German military and to assist Ukraine could reportedly cost hundreds of billions. It has led to debates on whether the current coalition government could fulfill these ambitious promises, and if not, what Merz should do differently when he takes charge.
Following the airing of the show, it will also be available for streaming on the ZDF Mediathek, allowing viewers to catch up on discussions they may have missed. The repeat of this episode will air on Phoenix the next day at 16:00 (CET). Interested viewers are encouraged to participate actively and share their insights via the moderated comments section on ZDF's platform.
This episode, enriched by diverse perspectives from politicians and experts, stands to illuminate not only the challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate but also to reflect on how Germany's leadership can impact both European and transatlantic relations moving forward.