3 d. ago After a torrid 100 days, Germany’s Friedrich Merz is mocked as a ‘dead man walking’. He must fight back | John Kampfner

With the AfD surging, it could soon be the largest party here. But, if he acts now, that dark scenario need not come to passJohn Kampfner is the author of In Search of Berlin and Why the Germans Do It BetterThe passing of the 100-day milestone for any world leader usually denotes the end of their honeymoon period. Friedrich Merz has not been able to enjoy even a single day of grace, beginning with the very moment he was supposed to be elected Germany’s chancellor but wasn’t. On 6 May, as Angela Merkel watched from the visitors’ balcony, the Bundestag voted and declined to approve its new leader. For a few hours, chaos ensued, until the second round of voting saw his chancellorship approved, so the swearing in could proceed.It was a symbolic act of defiance, and because it was a secret ballot, it wasn’t clear how many of the 18 dissenters came from Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) or from their new coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD). But it cast a shadow over the new admi...

Events

8 d. ago This matcha maker is our wellbeing editor’s favourite accessory of 2025 – and it’s less than £100

For perfect matcha lattes at home, look no further than this wonder gadget

Economics

8 d. ago Jet2holidays discount codes for August 2025 – Get £100 off all bookings

Plus an extra £50 off per person with these eight Jet2holidays voucher codes

Economics

9 d. ago The Independent announces the return of its acclaimed Climate 100 List

Following on from last year's inaugural Climate 100 List, nominations for its Reader's Choice category is once again open for suggestions of unsung climate heroes from around the world who have made a significant contribution to protecting the environment

Politics

1 week ago The enduring brilliance of Peter Sellers: ‘There’s never been a better comic actor’

The actor was born 100 years ago – and his performances still induce hysteria today. Fans and collaborators like Michael Palin, Woody Allen and Lesley Anne-Down explain whyMichael Palin Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Mikel Arteta ‘100%’ sure Arsenal followed right processes over Thomas Partey

Manager addresses situation regarding former midfielderPartey has been charged with rape and sexual assaultMikel Arteta has said he is “100%” confident Arsenal followed the correct processes in dealing with Thomas Partey, who was charged this month with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.Partey played for Arsenal while under police investigation and left when his contract expired at the end of June. The midfielder was charged on 4 July and is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on 5 August. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago 'I've read over 100 books so far in 2025 — these are the five I couldn't put down'

I've read dozens of books this year, from romances and thrillers to short stories and sci-fi, but these five kept me turning the pages late into the night

Politics

3 w. ago Rising star Billy Loughnane becomes first jockey to ride 100 Flat winners in 2025

The 19-year-old overtook four-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy over the last two weeks to reach the three figure mark for the third season in a row

Politics