May 15, 2026 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would not recommend that his children or other young Germans move to the United States to study or work, citing what he described as a worrying shift in the US “social climate.” Speaking at the German Catholic Convention in Würzburg, Merz told an audience of about 1,600 — many of them young people — that even highly educated Americans can struggle to find work. “I am a great admirer of America, but right now my admiration is not increasing,” he said, drawing laughter and applause.
The remark came during a wide-ranging discussion on domestic concerns including education, youth services and anxieties about the future. It follows a public spat between Merz and US President Donald Trump after Merz said Iran had “humiliated” the US; Trump responded by criticizing Merz and announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 US troops from bases in Germany. Despite that tension, Merz later said he had had a “good phone call” with Trump in which they agreed on the need to bring Iran to the negotiating table, to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and on the strength of US–German ties within NATO.
Merz, 70, who spent much of his career in business and traveled frequently to the US during his years with BlackRock, described his comments as a personal judgement about the current climate rather than a blanket condemnation of the country.
Other developments from Germany on May 15, 2026:
Polarstern returns from six-month Antarctic mission
The German research icebreaker Polarstern ended a 183-day expedition to Antarctica, during which scientists measured sea-ice thickness along some 4,400 kilometers and spent 35 days navigating through ice. The mission produced data suggesting Antarctic sea ice and related ecosystems are more dynamic and vulnerable to climate change than previously thought. The 40-year-old Polarstern — which has completed more than 150 expeditions — will be replaced by the modernized Polarstern II from 2030.
Manuel Neuer extends Bayern contract at 40
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer signed a one-year contract extension with Bayern Munich. The 40-year-old, Germany’s most-capped goalkeeper, said he still enjoys training and performing at a high level. His extension fuels speculation that he might return from international retirement: Neuer was included in Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann’s 55-man preliminary World Cup squad.
Frankfurt customs report: live animals and large drug hauls
Frankfurt Main Customs said its 2025 seizures included nearly 30,000 rare plants and animals or products made from them — from live iguanas and tortoises to a wolf fur coat and coral — intercepted in cargo, mail and passenger luggage. Officials also reported nearly 15 tonnes of drugs seized, with an estimated street value of about €190 million, and the arrest of 88 suspected smugglers.
Domestic intelligence ends Scientology surveillance
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV) announced it would discontinue comprehensive surveillance of Scientology, citing the organization’s declining relevance. The agency said it will continue to monitor anti-constitutional activities by individuals. Scientology has maintained branches across several German cities and had roughly 3,600 members in 2024.
Commerzbank to cut jobs, AI cited as driver
Commerzbank confirmed plans to reduce headcount by around 3,000 positions as part of a broader restructuring aimed at fending off an unsolicited takeover bid and improving returns. CEO Bettina Orlopp said artificial intelligence will play a significant role in the planned job reductions, with cuts focused on external call-center capacity and outside IT contractors while trying to protect the bank’s core workforce.
Merz acknowledges communication and coalition challenges
Merz admitted his government needs to improve communication and deliver more results as Germany’s ruling coalition — formed by his CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD — grapples with internal disputes over pension and labor-market reforms and consumer protections amid the fallout from the Iran war. Polls show low satisfaction with the federal government and weak approval ratings for the chancellor, while the far-right AfD is gaining support.
Dead humpback sighted off Denmark
Danish media reported a dead whale near the island of Anholt; German authorities are investigating whether the carcass is the same humpback — nicknamed Timmy — that had stranded off Germany’s Baltic coast weeks earlier, was rescued and released into the North Sea. Officials urged caution and said confirmation will take time due to logistical challenges.
Economic outlook: Iran war to hit growth in Q2
Germany’s economics ministry warned the Iran war is likely to cause a significant economic slowdown in the second quarter. The government has already cut its annual growth forecast to 0.5%, citing rising energy and raw-material costs, disrupted supply chains and uncertainty weighing on business and consumer sentiment. The Ifo Institute reported a sharp drop in construction-sector sentiment, and data show production declines and job losses in energy-intensive industries.
These items reflect a snapshot of political, scientific and economic developments across Germany on May 15, 2026. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.
