This Is Why

Germany is set to have a new chancellor, Friedrich Merz. From the conservative Christian Democrat party (CDU), Merz will now look to form a coalition government.    The leader-in-waiting has made striking remarks in a post-victory speech, saying Donald Trump is indifferent to Europe's fate, putting the US president's America on a par with Russia.    What does Merz’s tone mean for Europe? Niall Paterson is joined by our Europe correspondent Adam Parsons to discuss how the Merz-Trump relationship could work. 

Explore the dramatic intersection of politics and personal narratives, as a former employee recounts their unsettling corporate experience. Reflect on Elon Musk's eye-catching appearance at CPAC and the challenges of deciphering political spectacle. Dive into the complexities of Trump's foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia, while contrasting it with Boris Johnson's strategies. Discover the troubling implications of tech influence on federal job cuts and the contradictions in pro-family policies amid leadership accountability.

Adam Parsons, Sky News Europe correspondent, and Jakob Guhl, a researcher at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, dive into the rising popularity of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. They discuss how the AfD is attracting one in five voters amid widespread dissatisfaction with traditional politics. The conversation highlights the party's anti-immigration stance following the 2015 refugee crisis and the complexities of forming coalitions, as mainstream parties refuse to align with the AfD.

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor of the Sunday Times and co-author of "Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer," joins the discussion to unpack Keir Starmer's diplomatic strategy as he prepares to meet Donald Trump. They explore the delicate balance Starmer must strike between US relations and European politics. Pogrund highlights the unpredictability of such high-stakes meetings and the pragmatic approaches Starmer's team is adopting, including 'progressive realism' to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape.

Dr. Lina Khatib, an expert from Chatham House, shares her insights on the recent US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia. She discusses the significance of Saudi Arabia stepping into the role of a global power broker, particularly amid the Ukraine conflict. The conversation explores the vulnerability felt by Ukraine, as major powers negotiate without its input. Khatib also highlights the balancing act faced by Saudi Arabia, navigating modernization efforts while managing its historical conservatism and international relations.

General Richard Shirreff, former NATO's Deputy Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, joins to discuss the shifting landscape of European defense amid potential U.S. disengagement. He highlights the urgency for European nations to increase support for Ukraine and bolster NATO commitments. The conversation delves into the UK's role in peacekeeping and the challenges it faces, while drawing historical parallels to reinforce the need for robust security strategies against authoritarian threats. Shirreff offers critical insights on America’s changing influence in global security.

What would peace in Ukraine really look like under Trump's leadership? Concerns arise from European allies regarding the geopolitical cost of appeasing Putin. As Trump engages with the Russian president, questions swirl about the future of NATO and Western unity. Will Ukrainian interests be sidelined in negotiations? With ongoing security threats from Russia and changing dynamics in Europe, the urgent military needs of Ukraine remain a pressing issue. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between diplomacy and defense amid rising tensions.

Join health correspondent Ashish Joshi, who delves into the surge in health anxiety affecting NHS resources. He highlights the alarming rise in unnecessary A&E visits, particularly among younger patients, driven by post-COVID worries. Joshi discusses the strain on emergency departments, especially during winter, causing long waits for care. He also speaks with Dr. Adrian Boyle about potential solutions to improve A&E waiting times amidst ongoing overcrowding and infrastructure challenges that persist in the NHS.

Stuart Ramsay, Sky News chief correspondent with extensive experience reporting from Syria, and Dominique Van Heerden, senior foreign producer focused on the region, reveal chilling insights about the Assad regime’s abuses. They discuss their visits to the notorious Sednaya prison, revealing horrific conditions and the regime’s systematic torture. The duo also cites hundreds of thousands of burnt documents that uncover the fate of the missing, highlighting the emotional struggle of survivors and the quest for justice amidst the chaos.

Jon Craig, Sky News' Chief Political Correspondent, dives into the complex legacy of Margaret Thatcher, exploring how her radical policies like privatization and council house sales still shape Britain today. He reflects on key events such as the Falklands War and the miners' strike, revealing their lasting impact on society. Former private secretary Caroline Slocock shares personal insights about working with Thatcher, highlighting her charm and toughness. Together, they discuss her influence on contemporary political figures and the complexities of her governance.