{"id":1938364,"date":"2026-05-15T13:58:05","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:58:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1938364"},"modified":"2026-05-15T13:58:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T10:58:05","slug":"merz-and-trump-hold-good-phone-call-german-chancellor-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1938364","title":{"rendered":"Merz and Trump hold \u201cgood\u201d phone call, German Chancellor says"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/01\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_2dbffd6b-5585-5380-bcc1-0468fb79bd06-9760122.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2894023-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894023\" data-cid=\"9760305\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894023-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/03\/05\/189x106_cmsv2_56e8dfd7-98ca-54d9-8481-8921513634f5-9760305.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Scenery of Malta\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Malta gives citizens a paid version of ChatGPT Plus for free\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894022-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894022\" data-cid=\"9760306\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894022-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/03\/06\/189x106_cmsv2_5df75ed8-17cd-516f-9cf6-4e44af00c546-9760306.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The White Lotus TV series on HBO Max\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Cannes awaits shooting of new season of The White Lotus\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894142-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2894142\" data-cid=\"9760778\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894142-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/07\/78\/189x106_cmsv2_659ea4f3-de9c-592b-a3b7-80d9a6314586-9760778.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin to visit China following Trump&#8217;s Beijing trip\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894149-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2894149\" data-cid=\"9760820\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894149-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/06\/21\/189x106_cmsv2_b9629741-e230-51e9-905a-6097b4734657-9760621.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894023-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894023\" data-cid=\"9760305\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894023-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/03\/05\/189x106_cmsv2_56e8dfd7-98ca-54d9-8481-8921513634f5-9760305.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Scenery of Malta\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Malta gives citizens a paid version of ChatGPT Plus for free\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894022-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894022\" data-cid=\"9760306\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894022-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/03\/06\/189x106_cmsv2_5df75ed8-17cd-516f-9cf6-4e44af00c546-9760306.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The White Lotus TV series on HBO Max\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Cannes awaits shooting of new season of The White Lotus\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894142-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2894142\" data-cid=\"9760778\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894142-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/07\/78\/189x106_cmsv2_659ea4f3-de9c-592b-a3b7-80d9a6314586-9760778.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    World News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin to visit China following Trump&#8217;s Beijing trip\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894149-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2894149\" data-cid=\"9760820\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894149-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/06\/21\/189x106_cmsv2_b9629741-e230-51e9-905a-6097b4734657-9760621.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 \u2013 Midday\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Merz and Trump hold \u201cgood\u201d phone call, German Chancellor says<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/01\/22\/1536x864_cmsv2_2dbffd6b-5585-5380-bcc1-0468fb79bd06-9760122.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz takes part in a discussion with young people during the German Catholic Congress in W\u00fcrzburg on Friday 15 May 2026.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Chancellor Friedrich Merz is to take part in a discussion with young people in W\u00fcrzburg on Friday, 15 May 2026, during the German Catholic Congress.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspNela Heidner\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1778853485\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-05-15 15:58:05 +02:00\">15\/05\/2026 &#8211; 15:58 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"17:47\">17:47<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span 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height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        German Chancellor Merz said earlier phone discussions with US President Donald Trump included the situation of the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement that Tehran should not possess nuclear weapons.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has acknowledged shortcomings in the conservative-Social Democrat coalition and announced that he intends to communicate his political course more clearly in future.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>At the German Catholic Convention in W\u00fcrzburg, the CDU leader said that while dispute is part of democracy, it has to lead to results. At present, he said, there may be too many arguments and too little being achieved.<\/p>\n<p>The federal government is planning a reform package on tax, the labour market, pensions and cutting red tape before the summer recess. In recent weeks, however, there have been repeated conflicts within the conservative-Social Democrat coalition.<\/p>\n<p>The chancellor also admitted to shortcomings in communication. He said he was increasingly grappling with the question of why he apparently was not succeeding sufficiently in convincing people of the federal government&#8217;s course. He knew he had to improve the way he communicates so that his messages are better understood, Merz said during a panel discussion at the Catholic Convention in W\u00fcrzburg at which young people in particular asked questions.<\/p>\n<p>According to last week&#8217;s ARD &#8220;Germany Trend&#8221; survey, only 13% of respondents are still satisfied with the government&#8217;s work one year after it took office. The chancellor&#8217;s own ratings have also fallen sharply in the first year of his term and now stand at just 16%.<\/p>\n<p>Climate activists disrupted the panel discussion with Merz with heckling and whistling. <\/p>\n<p>The more than 1,000 members of the audience in the hall initially followed the situation patiently for a few minutes, but then called on the roughly four protesters to leave the room. Security staff escorted one woman out of the hall, while another activist left voluntarily. The event was then able to continue.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/01\/22\/808x539_cmsv2_1aff384e-d8af-52b4-a54e-ee7d147f67e7-9760122.jpg\" alt=\"A young woman protests during a speech by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a panel discussion at the German Catholic Convention in W\u00fcrzburg on 15 May 2026.\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">A young woman protests during a speech by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a panel discussion at the German Catholic Convention in W\u00fcrzburg on 15 May 2026.<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Merz stressed that many people in Germany already work very hard. At the same time, lifetime and annual working hours are lower than in many other industrialised countries. <\/p>\n<h2>&#8216;Collective push&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p>Merz said he wanted to trigger a &#8220;collective push&#8221; to lead the country out of its current difficult situation.<\/p>\n<p>Youth representatives called on the chancellor to involve young people more closely in political decision-making and not to label them as lazy. Merz replied that no one in his party had said that people in Germany were lazy. At the same time, he conceded once again that he needed to improve his communication.<\/p>\n<p>He stressed that, in view of the major challenges, he wanted to convey optimism and build confidence that the problems can be solved, but that he would have to explain his positions even more clearly in future.<\/p>\n<h2>Fresh criticism of the US<\/h2>\n<p>Merz once again voiced criticism of the United States at the Catholic Convention, saying his admiration for the country was currently not increasing. He added that he would no longer advise his own children to go to the US, &#8220;I would not advise my children today to go to the United States, to be educated there and to work there. Quite simply because a particular social climate has suddenly developed there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Germany, he said, offers a social market economy rather than unfettered capitalism. Many young people, including highly qualified talent, are currently finding it difficult to secure a job in the US.<\/p>\n<p>Later in the afternoon he posted on social media X that he had phoned US President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<p>He wrote, &#8220;I had a good phone call with Donald Trump on his return journey from China. We agree: Iran must now come to the negotiating table; it must open the Strait of Hormuz; Tehran must not have a nuclear weapon. We also spoke about a peace settlement for Ukraine and coordinated our positions ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The United States and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>It is unclear whether Trump was already aware of these remarks at the time of the call. When Merz last spoke about the US in front of young people, the US president reacted sharply, a move that triggered recent tensions in relations between the two. Trump wrote at the time on his Truth Social platform that Merz did not know what he was talking about and that it was no surprise Germany was doing badly, both economically and overall.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier, in April, Merz had told pupils at a school in North Rhine-Westphalia, in relation to the United States, that an entire nation was being humiliated by the Iranian leadership.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  &#8220;Super Mario&#8221; celebrated for defending the euro and European unity<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Hundreds of ships mark Hamburg harbour\u2019s 837th anniversary<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Trump open to shifting US troops from Germany to Poland<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Donald Trump<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  USA<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Friedrich Merz<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894142-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894142\" data-cid=\"9760778\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894142-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/07\/78\/320x180_cmsv2_659ea4f3-de9c-592b-a3b7-80d9a6314586-9760778.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin to visit China following Trump&#8217;s Beijing trip<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894111-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894111\" data-cid=\"9760630\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894111-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/47\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_8061d737-86b1-5d1a-9832-134be3ee6dc1-9714746.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ap\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    IS leader killed in US-Nigeria military operation, Trump says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894074-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894074\" data-cid=\"9760503\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894074-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/05\/03\/320x180_cmsv2_76f1cd28-6ed1-5a96-be6e-508ba375e693-9760503.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A destroyed building that was hit few weeks ago by an Israeli airstrike is seen through a damaged house in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, April 30, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>     Lebanon\u2013Israel ceasefire extended by 45 days, says US<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2894130-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894130\" data-cid=\"9760654\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894130-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/06\/54\/320x180_cmsv2_09167332-dc56-556d-a5f0-ed40dbb942cd-9760654.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Taiwan responds to Trump&#8217;s independence warning<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893923-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893923\" data-cid=\"9759636\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893923-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/96\/36\/320x180_cmsv2_5fa920f1-3541-51bc-b80e-6a8f621a661e-9759636.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Grass Babies, Moon Babies by Japanese American queer artist Ei Arakawa-Nash is one of the most subtly profound expressions of Kouoh\u2019s curatorial theme.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The fantastic four: Stand-out pavilions at the 2026 Venice Biennale<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893911-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893911\" data-cid=\"9759527\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Point of no return&#8217;: 36 countries join tribunal to prosecute Putin<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893950-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893950\" data-cid=\"9759857\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pompeii: A doctor identified thanks to his instruments<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893989-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893989\" data-cid=\"9760077\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway confirms move to cancel missile system sale to Malaysia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893536-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893536\" data-cid=\"9757725\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where in Europe do workers earn the most \u2014 and the least?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2893931-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893931\" data-cid=\"9759670\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Underwhelming summit outcome in China brings Trump back to reality<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894142-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894142\" data-cid=\"9760778\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894142-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/07\/78\/320x180_cmsv2_659ea4f3-de9c-592b-a3b7-80d9a6314586-9760778.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Putin to visit China following Trump&#8217;s Beijing trip<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894111-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894111\" data-cid=\"9760630\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894111-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/47\/46\/320x180_cmsv2_8061d737-86b1-5d1a-9832-134be3ee6dc1-9714746.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ap\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    IS leader killed in US-Nigeria military operation, Trump says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894074-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894074\" data-cid=\"9760503\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894074-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/05\/03\/320x180_cmsv2_76f1cd28-6ed1-5a96-be6e-508ba375e693-9760503.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A destroyed building that was hit few weeks ago by an Israeli airstrike is seen through a damaged house in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, April 30, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>     Lebanon\u2013Israel ceasefire extended by 45 days, says US<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894130-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894130\" data-cid=\"9760654\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2894130-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/06\/54\/320x180_cmsv2_09167332-dc56-556d-a5f0-ed40dbb942cd-9760654.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"AP photo\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Taiwan responds to Trump&#8217;s independence warning<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893923-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893923\" data-cid=\"9759636\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893923-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/96\/36\/320x180_cmsv2_5fa920f1-3541-51bc-b80e-6a8f621a661e-9759636.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Grass Babies, Moon Babies by Japanese American queer artist Ei Arakawa-Nash is one of the most subtly profound expressions of Kouoh\u2019s curatorial theme.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The fantastic four: Stand-out pavilions at the 2026 Venice Biennale<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893911-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893911\" data-cid=\"9759527\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Point of no return&#8217;: 36 countries join tribunal to prosecute Putin<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893950-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893950\" data-cid=\"9759857\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Pompeii: A doctor identified thanks to his instruments<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893989-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893989\" data-cid=\"9760077\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Norway confirms move to cancel missile system sale to Malaysia<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893536-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893536\" data-cid=\"9757725\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where in Europe do workers earn the most \u2014 and the least?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893931-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893931\" data-cid=\"9759670\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Underwhelming summit outcome in China brings Trump back to reality<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has acknowledged shortcomings in the conservative-Social Democrat coalition and announced that he intends to communicate his political course more clearly in future.At the German Catholic Convention in W\u00fcrzburg, the CDU leader said that while dispute is part of democracy, it has to lead to results. At present, he said, there may be too many arguments and too little being achieved.The federal government is planning a reform package on tax, the labour market, pensions and cutting red tape before the summer recess. In recent weeks, however, there have been repeated conflicts within the conservative-Social Democrat coalition.The chancellor also admitted to shortcomings in communication. He said he was increasingly grappling with the question of why he apparently was not succeeding sufficiently in convincing people of the federal government&#8217;s course. He knew he had to improve the way he communicates so that his messages are better understood, Merz said during a panel discussion at the Catholic Convention in W\u00fcrzburg at which young people in particular asked questions.According to last week&#8217;s ARD &#8220;Germany Trend&#8221; survey, only 13% of respondents are still satisfied with the government&#8217;s work one year after it took office. The chancellor&#8217;s own ratings have also fallen sharply in the first year of his term and now stand at just 16%.Climate activists disrupted the panel discussion with Merz with heckling and whistling.The more than 1,000 members of the audience in the hall initially followed the situation patiently for a few minutes, but then called on the roughly four protesters to leave the room. Security staff escorted one woman out of the hall, while another activist left voluntarily. The event was then able to continue.Merz stressed that many people in Germany already work very hard. At the same time, lifetime and annual working hours are lower than in many other industrialised countries.&#8217;Collective push&#8217;Merz said he wanted to trigger a &#8220;collective push&#8221; to lead the country out of its current difficult situation.Youth representatives called on the chancellor to involve young people more closely in political decision-making and not to label them as lazy. Merz replied that no one in his party had said that people in Germany were lazy. At the same time, he conceded once again that he needed to improve his communication.He stressed that, in view of the major challenges, he wanted to convey optimism and build confidence that the problems can be solved, but that he would have to explain his positions even more clearly in future.Fresh criticism of the USMerz once again voiced criticism of the United States at the Catholic Convention, saying his admiration for the country was currently not increasing. He added that he would no longer advise his own children to go to the US, &#8220;I would not advise my children today to go to the United States, to be educated there and to work there. Quite simply because a particular social climate has suddenly developed there.&#8221;Germany, he said, offers a social market economy rather than unfettered capitalism. Many young people, including highly qualified talent, are currently finding it difficult to secure a job in the US.Later in the afternoon he posted on social media X that he had phoned US President Donald Trump.He wrote, &#8220;I had a good phone call with Donald Trump on his return journey from China. We agree: Iran must now come to the negotiating table; it must open the Strait of Hormuz; Tehran must not have a nuclear weapon. We also spoke about a peace settlement for Ukraine and coordinated our positions ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The United States and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO.&#8221;It is unclear whether Trump was already aware of these remarks at the time of the call. When Merz last spoke about the US in front of young people, the US president reacted sharply, a move that triggered recent tensions in relations between the two. Trump wrote at the time on his Truth Social platform that Merz did not know what he was talking about and that it was no surprise Germany was doing badly, both economically and overall.Earlier, in April, Merz had told pupils at a school in North Rhine-Westphalia, in relation to the United States, that an entire nation was being humiliated by the Iranian leadership.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/15\/merz-good-call-with-trump&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/01\/22\/1200x675_cmsv2_2dbffd6b-5585-5380-bcc1-0468fb79bd06-9760122.jpg&#8221;] Tech News Malta gives citizens a paid version of ChatGPT Plus for free Culture news Cannes awaits shooting of new season of The White Lotus World News Putin to visit China following Trump&#8217;s Beijing trip Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | May 16th, 2026 \u2013 Midday Tech News Malta gives [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1938364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1938364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1938364"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1938364\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1938364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1938364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1938364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}