Friedrich Merz suffers a dramatic defeat in the Budestag, failing to win a majority in a parliamentary vote to become chancellor. 

Friedrich Merz suffers a dramatic defeat in the Budestag, failing to win a majority in a parliamentary vote to become chancellor.&nbsp;

A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by a Monocle editor. The show features informed reporting, prescient business analysis and invaluable industry reports covering everything from technology to aviation and retail to media.

A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by a Monocle editor. The show features informed reporting, prescient business analysis and invaluable industry reports covering everything from technology to aviation and retail to media.

The Briefing

Friedrich Merz’s dramatic defeat and Met Gala 2025

We discuss what’s next for Alternative for Germany after a court rules that the party cannot be labelled as an “extremist” group. Plus: an interview with Giorgos Karampelas, creative director of K-Studio, at Mipim 2026.

We discuss what&rsquo;s next for Alternative for Germany after a court rules that the party cannot be labelled as an &ldquo;extremist&rdquo; group. Plus: an interview with Giorgos Karampelas, creative director of K-Studio, at Mipim 2026.

The future of the far right in Germany. And: The winner of the Pritzker Prize

We discuss how increased attacks across the region are pushing energy prices back up despite a historic release of reserves. Plus: Amanda Driehorst, strategy and sales manager at Schindler, on innovation in “vertical” home mobility.

We discuss how increased attacks across the region are pushing energy prices back up despite a historic release of reserves. Plus: Amanda Driehorst, strategy and sales manager at Schindler, on innovation in &ldquo;vertical&rdquo; home mobility.

Iran steps up attacks in the Gulf as oil prices jump

Istanbul’s mayor is among hundreds facing corruption charges in a trial that his party says is politically motivated. Plus: Paris Fashion Week highlights and we speak to Hyatt’s Felicity Black-Roberts at Mipim.

Istanbul&rsquo;s mayor is among hundreds facing corruption charges in a trial that his party says is politically motivated. Plus: Paris Fashion Week highlights and we speak to Hyatt&rsquo;s Felicity Black-Roberts at Mipim.

Friedrich Merz’s dramatic defeat and Met Gala 2025

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