The leader of Germany’s conservative opposition, Friedrich Merz, sides with the far-right AfD party, breaking political taboo. But will the move prove to be a mistake? Monocle’s Andrew Mueller is joined by panellists Marta Lorimer and Robin Lustig to unpack this and the day’s other top stories, including Portugal and Spain’s defence commitments, when fact-checking gets muddled with politics and how one London institution refuses to break with tradition and allow female membership. Plus: Chiara Rimella sends us a ‘Letter from Sifnos’.

<p>The leader of Germany&rsquo;s conservative opposition, Friedrich Merz, sides with the far-right AfD party, breaking political taboo. But will the move prove to be a mistake? Monocle&rsquo;s Andrew Mueller is joined by panellists Marta Lorimer and Robin Lustig to unpack this and the day&rsquo;s other top stories, including Portugal and Spain&rsquo;s defence commitments, when fact-checking gets muddled with politics and how one London institution refuses to break with tradition and allow female membership. Plus: Chiara Rimella sends us a &lsquo;Letter from Sifnos&rsquo;.</p>

Hear our take on the news and enjoy sharp reporting on the big stories every weekday. Tune in as our guest panel reviews the day’s events in Europe, follows developing stories in the Americas and welcomes early risers in Asia and Australasia. Plus: reports and analysis from Monocle’s correspondents and bureaux around the world. Nominated for ‘Best Daily Podcast’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards. 

<p>Hear our take on the news and enjoy sharp reporting on the big stories every weekday. Tune in as our guest panel reviews the day’s events in Europe, follows developing stories in the Americas and welcomes early risers in Asia and Australasia. Plus: reports and analysis from Monocle’s correspondents and bureaux around the world. Nominated for ‘Best Daily Podcast’ in the 2022 British Podcast Awards. </p>