Our Latest Podcast

On 6 May, Friedrich Merz was formally elected Chancellor by the German Bundestag. Merz and his government will take office at a critical moment for Germany and for Europe.

Our experts consider the implications for business of the choices confronting Friedrich Merz’s first cabinet. The challenges that Merz and his top team face are marked by economic difficulties, geopolitical uncertainties, declining competitiveness, and an urgent need for investment to drive growth.

Rebuilding Germany’s leadership in Europe, notably by improving ties with France and with the UK, will also be a key objective of the new government to respond collectively to the Trump challenge as well as the Russia threat.

In this podcast, Flint Director Anna Abela hosts a discussion on the new German government with:

• Andreas Krautscheid, Senior Adviser, a former CDU Member of the Bundestag and Minister of State in North-Rhine Westphalia, and CEO of the German Banking Association. 
• Markus Becker-Melching, Senior Adviser, former COO of the German Banking Association and member of the Executive Committee of the European Banking Federation. 
• François-Joseph Schichan, Director, former French diplomat including former head of Political Department at the French Embassy in London.

Flint expanded its European footprint with the opening of our Berlin office in April 2025, enhancing our ability to support clients across Germany and beyond. Our local team delivers tailored strategic advice to organisations navigating the German market. Connect with us to explore how we can help drive your objectives, or if you would like to dig deeper into any of the issues we’ve raised today, please get in touch.