Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attempting to calm relations with Donald Trump after he angered the US President by saying the US had been “humiliated” by Iran.
In response, the Trump administration has unveiled plans to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany and is considering raising tariffs on EU car exports to 25%, increasing strain on Germany’s already fragile economy.
The German government has had to slash its 2026 growth forecast from 1% to 0.5%. Merz is under increasing pressure domestically as his approval ratings decline and right-wing party AfD continues to gain momentum in the polls.
As economic pressures intensify and political challengers rise, could Germany’s situation be set to deteriorate further?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Frank-Christian Hansel
AfD Member of Berlin Parliament
Veronica Anghel
Assistant Politics Professor at European University Institute.
John Kampfner
Author and journalist
Edward Knudsen
Doctoral Researcher of International Relations at Oxford University
#iranwar #germany #us #trump #israel #germanyeconomy #EU
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz is attempting to calm relations with Donald Trump after he angered the US President by saying the US had been “humiliated” by Iran.
In response, the Trump administration has unveiled plans to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany and is considering raising tariffs on EU car exports to 25%, increasing strain on Germany’s already fragile economy.
The German government has had to slash its 2026 growth forecast from 1% to 0.5%. Merz is under increasing pressure domestically as his approval ratings decline and right-wing party AfD continues to gain momentum in the polls.
As economic pressures intensify and political challengers rise, could Germany’s situation be set to deteriorate further?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Frank-Christian Hansel
AfD Member of Berlin Parliament
Veronica Anghel
Assistant Politics Professor at European University Institute.
John Kampfner
Author and journalist
Edward Knudsen
Doctoral Researcher of International Relations at Oxford University
#iranwar #germany #us #trump #israel #germanyeconomy #EU
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
