Key Developments
Germany's 7-1 World Cup victory over Curacao attracted more than 23 million television viewers. At the same time, German President Steinmeier is beginning his official trip to Indonesia. Stay with DW for continuous updates.
What you should know
- Germany's World Cup triumph draws over 23 million TV viewers - President Steinmeier arrives in Indonesia for an official state visit - Trial of a suspected Islamist begins
Read on for the most recent updates from and about Germany on Monday, June 15, 2026.
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Iran-US deal a 'disaster,' says CDU foreign policy expert
A foreign policy expert from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) described the agreement between the US and Iran to end their conflict as a "disaster."
Roderich Kiesewetter stated that the accord "indirectly bolsters" Russian President Vladimir Putin's war effort and "opens the door wide for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon."
"This is a catastrophe for the Iranian people," he said, also taking aim at US President Donald Trump.
"When a brutal regime issues threats, he gives in and sacrifices long-term security interests for a short-term public relations win."
Chancellor Merz, however, voiced support for the deal, highlighting its possible economic advantages.
"The agreement has the potential to clear the way for a revitalized global economy and a more stable Middle East," Merz said in a statement.
Iran-US peace deal leaves many major issues unresolved
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Germany's working population set to shrink, report suggests
Germany's workforce is projected to decrease by over 4 million people by 2036, according to a new study.
The report, conducted by the Institute for German Economy (IW) in Cologne, indicates that the reduction stems from retirements, low birth rates, and migration policies designed to discourage foreign workers from coming to the country.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition has made limiting immigration a priority in an effort to curb support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which recent opinion polls show has become Germany's most popular party, surpassing Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU).
According to IW's Holger Schäfer, Germany is already experiencing "demographic change." He added that the German economy will lack the necessary number of workers to generate prosperity and sustain the welfare state.
His recommendations? People should be encouraged to work longer hours, and simultaneously, it should be made simpler for skilled workers to relocate to Germany from overseas.
WATCH — What does the future hold for German entrepreneurs?
Germany excels at developing cutting-edge technologies. But how can it prevent innovative startups focused on quantum computers, nuclear fusion, or other breakthrough technologies from relocating to the US?
Securing the future of German entrepreneurship
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Pension reform must include everyone, senior organization head says
The leader of the seniors' organization within Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party stated that the current government's future hinges on its pension reforms.
"The pension reforms will decide the fate of this coalition, I am certain of that," Hubert Hüppe told the Rheinische Post.
According to Hüppe, the reforms must ensure that everyone contributes, not just Germany's elderly citizens.
"This is only achievable if all groups are incorporated into the social reforms, including civil servant pensions and other retirement schemes," Hüppe added.
The overhaul of Germany's pension system has been making headlines across the country, as Chancellor Merz and his party attempt to push through cost-saving modifications to the existing system, sparking criticism from trade unions and worker associations.
Germany's coalition government split over reform agenda
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German president starts Indonesia visit
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Jakarta for an official visit to Indonesia.
Steinmeier was welcomed by President Prabowo Subianto and several ministers, who reportedly sang traditional Indonesian songs in honor of the guest, while the German delegation responded by singing in German.
Indonesia is the largest democracy in Southeast Asia, with a population of around 280 million people. It is also the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.
Following his stay in Indonesia, Steinmeier will conduct visits to the Philippines and Uzbekistan.
Germany win draws 23 million TV viewers
Germany's national team got off to a strong start in the 2026 World Cup with a 7-1 victory over Curacao. The success was mirrored in the viewing figures back home.
Nearly 23.5 million people tuned into public broadcaster ARD to watch the match, achieving a market share of 70.2%, according to ratings agency AGF Videoforschung.
The game was also available via live stream on MagentaTV, Deutsche Telekom's TV platform, but the company does not release viewing figures for its streaming service.
The viewer numbers represent a sharp contrast to Germany's opening match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was watched by around 9 million people. Julian Nagelsmann's team attracted approximately 22 million viewers for its first Euro 2024 match, which was also hosted in Germany.
The World Cup's opening game between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa reached about 10 million viewers in Germany, indicating strong overall interest in the tournament.
Can the FIFA World Cup kick-start the economy?
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Welcome to our coverage
Welcome to another daily blog covering all the latest news from Germany, brought to you from DW's Bonn newsroom!
We will be examining the reactions to Germany's dominant 7-1 win over Curacao in the World Cup.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has arrived in Indonesia, and we will be tracking all the developments from his trip.
The trial of an 18-year-old suspected Islamist begins following an attack in the city of Essen.
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