2 h. ago Humiliation for Germany’s Merz in vote to be chancellor as he falls short in first ballot – Europe live

Further vote not expected today in process that had been expected to anoint CDU/CSU leader to replace outgoing Olaf ScholzScholz to hand over power to sound of feminist anthemFor what it’s worth, multiple German media are now suggesting that there won’t be another round of voting today – exactly because Merz and his team worry about the risk of another hugely embarrassing defeat.Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bild and Stern’s Julias Betschka all say the second vote is unlikely to take place today. Let’s wait for the official confirmation, though. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago Germany’s Merz falls short of votes needed to be chancellor in shock first ballot – Europe live

Session adjourned so parties can consult over process that had been expected to anoint CDU/CSU leader to replace outgoing Olaf ScholzScholz to hand over power to sound of feminist anthemHere’s a procedural explanation on what’s next, via the Bundestag’s website:To be elected, the candidate must secure the votes of an absolute majority of the Members of the Bundestag, that is half of the Members plus at least one additional vote. This is sometimes called the “chancellor majority”.If the candidate fails to secure an absolute majority in the first round of voting, a second round is held. The Bundestag then has 14 days to elect another candidate to be Chancellor. There is no limit to the number of possible ballots, although an absolute majority is always required (Article 63.3 of the Basic Law). Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Friedrich Merz set to take office as German chancellor – Europe live

CDU/CSU leader set to be sworn in to replace outgoing Olaf ScholzIf, as we expect, Merz wins the vote in the first round, the Bundestag session will be adjourned, and he will travel to see the country’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier to get a certificate of his appointment.He will then come back to the Bundestag to take the oath of office, and later formally confirm his ministerial appointments (both with the president and the parliament). Continue reading...

Society

22 h. ago Scholz to hand over power in Germany to sound of feminist anthem Respect

Song made famous by Aretha Franklin is on military band’s set list for handover of chancellery to Friedrich MerzThe German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, is to be played out of office by a military band who will perform tunes chosen by him that are intended to sum up his mood and political life.Scholz will bow out to the Beatles, Johann Sebastian Bach and an Otis Redding hit made famous by Aretha Franklin. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Slot says title can lure players to Liverpool, Allen to retire, Dier leaving Bayern: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | Email TahaA bit more from Eddie Howe, on Alexander Isak: “He’s not for sale from my perspective ”Dejan Kulusevski has been talking about how the Europa League has brought out Tottenham’s best amid a wretched domestic season, PA Media reports“When you do performances like [the win at Eintracht Frankfurt], you want to repeat them,” Kulusevski said. “I think in Europe, we play a little bit different. We play with less risk and we put the ball up more in the space like we did today and we got to keep doing that in Europe.“This season has been really disappointing but at least, let’s finish it in the best possible way. We have got to do everything possible every day to make it happen. It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that.” Continue reading...

Sport

4 d. ago Slot says title win can lure players to Liverpool, Dier to leave Bayern: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | Email JohnA bit more from Eddie Howe, on Alexander Isak: “He’s not for sale from my perspective ”Dejan Kulusevski has been talking about how the Europa League has brought out Tottenham’s best amid a wretched domestic season, PA Media reports“When you do performances like [the win at Eintracht Frankfurt], you want to repeat them,” Kulusevski said. “I think in Europe, we play a little bit different. We play with less risk and we put the ball up more in the space like we did today and we got to keep doing that in Europe.“This season has been really disappointing but at least, let’s finish it in the best possible way. We have got to do everything possible every day to make it happen. It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that.” Continue reading...

Sport

4 d. ago English trio close on European finals, Eric Dier to leave Bayern Munich: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | Email DominicA bit more from Eddie Howe, on Alexander Isak: “He’s not for sale from my perspective ”Dejan Kulusevski has been talking about how the Europa League has brought out Tottenham’s best amid a wretched domestic season, PA Media reports“When you do performances like [the win at Eintracht Frankfurt], you want to repeat them,” Kulusevski said. “I think in Europe, we play a little bit different. We play with less risk and we put the ball up more in the space like we did today and we got to keep doing that in Europe.“This season has been really disappointing but at least, let’s finish it in the best possible way. We have got to do everything possible every day to make it happen. It is different football (on an artificial pitch), it is a different pitch, but in life, you have to do what you have to do to find a way to win and we have got to do that.” Continue reading...

Sport

4 d. ago English trio close on European finals, weekend team news: football – live

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekendFixtures | Tables | Read Football Daily | And email TomArne Slot has admitted he will rotate his squad a little for Liverpool’s four remaining league games now the Premier League trophy is safely in the bag “We are going to these four games trying to win them all and that’s what every player who wears the Liverpool shirt should aim for. My lineups will be different – we’re not going to change everyone but there will be a certain rotation in the upcoming games. I think some of the players deserved to play earlier in the season but they are good enough to play for this club. Earlier in the season I mainly chose the same people but this is a moment to see where others are but definitely also becauase they deserved to play this season.”Harvey Elliott, who has spoken of his desire to stay at Anfield, is one such. “I think it’s very important that players who are here want to stay – that’s a big compliment. Harvey is one of the players...

Sport

4 d. ago Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Europa League result, latest updates and reaction after Spurs get first leg win

Spurs will take a lead into next week's decider in Norway

Politics

4 d. ago Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Spurs have one foot in Europa League final despite late scare

Tottenham 3-1 Bodo/Glimt: Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke have Spurs dreaming of a first trophy since 2008

Sport

4 d. ago Athletic v Man United LIVE: Bruno Fernandes inspires dramatic Europa League semi

Manchester United face their toughest test yet in the Europa League as they meet an Athletic side in the semi-finals who are determined to reach the final at their home stadium

Events

4 d. ago Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Spurs in total control as Maddison doubles lead in Europa League semi

Spurs are dreaming of a first trophy since 2008 as they host tonight’s Europa League semi-final first leg

Politics

4 d. ago Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Europa League match stream, latest score and goal updates today

Spurs looking to take a commanding first leg lead into next week's decider in Norway

Sport

4 d. ago Athletic v Man United LIVE: Bruno Fernandes scores after red card drama in raucous Europa League semi

Manchester United face their toughest test yet in the Europa League as they meet an Athletic side in the semi-finals who are determined to reach the final at their home stadium

Sport

4 d. ago Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Johnson scores inside first minute as Spurs target Europa League final

Spurs are dreaming of a first trophy since 2008 as they host tonight’s Europa League semi-final first leg

Sport

4 d. ago Athletic Bilbao v Man United LIVE: Alejandro Garnacho’s early goal ruled out in Europa League semi

Manchester United face their toughest test yet in the Europa League as they meet an Athletic side in the semi-finals who are determined to reach the final at their home stadium

Politics

4 d. ago Athletic Club vs Manchester United LIVE: Europa League match stream, latest score and goal updates today

United look to take another step closer to the Europa League final

Sport

4 d. ago Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Europa League match stream, latest score and goal updates

Spurs looking to take a commanding first leg lead into next week's decider in Norway

Sport

4 d. ago Athletic Bilbao v Man United LIVE: Visitors out to spoil Europa League dream as line

Manchester United face their toughest test yet in the Europa League as they meet an Athletic side in the semi-finals who are determined to reach the final at their home stadium

Politics

4 d. ago Tottenham v Bodo/Glimt LIVE: Spurs target Europa League final against Arctic underdogs

Spurs are dreaming of a first trophy since 2008 as they host tonight’s Europa League semi-final first leg

Sport