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IMAGO / Bestimage

France in a political deadlock after the fall of the French government

Anger, frustration and mistrust

For the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic, a French government has been brought down because of a vote of confidence based on Article 49.1 of the Constitution. On 8 September, the National Assembly refused to give its confidence to Prime Minister François Bayrou's cabinet – a historic turning point in French politics. The Élysée Palace announced that President Emmanuel Macron had ‘taken note’ of the government's failure and would ‘appoint a new prime minister in the coming days’. With strikes and blockades announced for 10 and 18 September, intended in particular to express the French people's dissatisfaction with their purchasing power and further economic cutbacks, the question arises as to how Macron now intends to manoeuvre France out of the political impasse and survive until the 2027 presidential elections.

Anja Czymmeck, Max Willem Fricke, Nele Katharina Wissmann
September 9, 2025
Country reports
smarterpix / vepar5

Malawi votes

President, parliament, and communal elections in the world’s poorest democracy

Malawi is part of the decreasing number of African countries which count as stable but imperfect democracies. There is an active electoral contest and the country has prior experience with democratic governmental transitions, which remain possible in the upcoming elections on 16 September 2025. The election is taking place against the backdrop of extreme poverty. The people of Malawi believe that the economic situation has not improved under the current government. The candidates’ and parties’ manifestos are limited in scope and depth, they do not differ drastically from one to the other; many of the candidates are old acquaintances. However, the global geopolitical rivalry, the race for raw materials and rare earths, the growing number of conflicts and the decreasing number of democracies particularly on our neighboring continent all give these elections greater significance than they would have before the war in Ukraine and the inauguration of Trump. 

Dr. Holger Dix
September 8, 2025
Country reports
European Commission / CC-BY 4.0 / creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.de

Albania's Long Road to Justice

The Slow Compensation of Former Political Persecutees

More than three decades after the fall of the communist regime, the legal, political, and societal reckoning with the past in Albania remains an unfinished project. This is particularly evident in the compensation process for former political prisoners and their families. Despite early legislative initiatives, the path towards material redress has been marked by structural shortcomings, financial constraints, and only limited political will. Providing compensation to these victims is not only a matter of historical justice but also a litmus test of Albania’s democratic maturity on its path towards the European Union.

Dr. Thomas Kunze, Zheni Korçari, Zheni Korçari
September 4, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / MAXPPP

The Franco-German Ministerial Council amid an unpredictable ‘rentrée politique’ in France

How the Franco-German engine is supposed to run without French fuel

On Friday, 29 August 2025, German and French cabinet members gathered in Toulon for the 25th Franco-German Ministerial Council. The meeting was kicked off the evening before with a joint dinner between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron at the latter's summer residence in Fort Brégançon. Since Friedrich Merz took office, Franco-German coordination has gained noticeable momentum, both symbolically and in terms of content. This is an important signal with regard to the numerous challenges both countries are facing. International and European crises such as the conflict in the Gaza Strip, the war in Ukraine and bilateral cooperation in the field of defence are currently shaping relations between Berlin and Paris. The results and announcements of the Council of Ministers have further concretised the coordination of content. At the same time, the meeting comes at a time of political uncertainty in France. The vote of no confidence announced for 8 September, initiated by Prime Minister François Bayrou, will be decisive in determining whether the joint priorities can be implemented in the short and medium term. Time is pressing: forecasts indicate that the political window of opportunity for substantial Franco-German initiatives at the bilateral, European, and international levels could close by the 2027 when French presidential election will take place – but possibly even sooner as a result of early elections.

Anja Czymmeck, Max Willem Fricke
September 2, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Bihlmayerfotografie

Thank you for your service! – Levers for a Combat-Ready Bundeswehr

How can defence be ‘de-socialised’?

Personnel shortages, outdated equipment, and an over-civilianized force are undermining Germany’s ability to defend itself. The Bundeswehr needs more than money: structural reforms, a renewed military mindset, and societal support are essential. Measures such as a mandatory “Bundeswehr Week”, employer incentives for reservists, a shift back to core military tasks, and a Combat Readiness Score aim to make Germany’s military capable of fighting – before it's too late.

Jakob Kullik, Benedikt Meng, Vanessa Vohs
August 27, 2025
Facts and Findings
IMAGO / Xinhua

Government formation in Lithuania

New power alliance with fragile foundations

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Gintaras Paluckas, there has been a change of coalition in Lithuania: The Democrats (“Vardan Lietuvos”) have left the government and have been replaced by the parliamentary group “Faction of Lithuanian Farmers, Greens and Christian Families Union.” The party “Nemuno Aušra” (Dawn of Nemunas) remains controversial, as it remains part of the coalition despite massive protests. The new prime minister is Inga Ruginienė, a trade unionist and political newcomer who is considered by many to be a weak choice. The central strategic goals—defense and European policy—will continue despite the change of government. However, it is questionable whether the coalition will survive the entire legislative period.

Oliver Morwinsky, Fausta Šimaitytė
August 27, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Dreamstime

Power in Progress

Enhancing Female Leadership in Governance Processes in Kenya

An analysis of structural, institutional and cultural barriers for female participation in leadership positions, as well as the strategic importance for strengthening it. The analysis will draw on examples from Nairobi and Kitui County.

Chiara Altmann
August 22, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Reactions to US President Trump's peace efforts for Ukraine

Momentum — but toward what end?

One of President Donald Trump's campaign promises was a quick end to the war in Ukraine. After months of mixed signals about what such a solution might entail, Trump met first with Russian President Vladimir Putin, then with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European heads of state and government.

Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche
August 21, 2025
Country reports
IMAGO / Anadolu Agency

Bolivia votes socialism out of office

Historic election brings clear paradigm shift

“Capitalism for all!” - With this slogan, Rodrigo Paz achieved a surprise victory in the first round of the presidential elections in Bolivia, which had been ruled by socialists for almost 20 years. He will face off against fellow opposition candidate and economic liberal “Tuto” Quiroga in a runoff election on October 19. The centre-right opposition also won a landslide victory in parliament: the long-standing ruling party MAS will practically no longer be represented there. Meanwhile, former President Evo Morales is manifesting himself as extra-parliamentary resistance, having been significantly more successful with his call for invalid votes than the various left-wing candidates at the polls.

Dr. Christina Stolte
August 19, 2025
Country reports
stock.adobe.com/A2Z AI

India's importance for Germany's science and innovation

From Bangalore to Berlin: Indian students strengthen STEM fields and contribute to securing skilled labor

India is becoming increasingly important to Germany as a geopolitical partner and hub of innovation, especially due to its young population, strong economic growth, and technological progress. With around 50,000 individuals, Indian students form the largest international group in Germany, particularly in STEM fields. Many stay after graduation and work in highly skilled professions. To better harness their potential, more English-language degree programs, faster visa processes, affordable housing, language support, practical training opportunities, and strong integration networks are needed.

Jan Wöpking, Felise Maennig-Fortmann
August 11, 2025
Facts and Findings

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