The first What now?episode in 2025 was titled: “A year that leaves us no time to warm up.” And yes, the political events did not take long to happen. Lays on January 20th Donald Trump takes the oath of office for the second time and begins his second presidency. Which of its key projects has this US government implemented so far? And what were the bright spots for ZEIT’s US correspondents over the past twelve months?
A new government also started work in Germany this year. On May 6th Friedrich Merz sworn in as Chancellor at the second attempt. But the coalition with the SPD has been on shaky ground from the start. One of the new government’s first official acts: tightening migration policy. Is she also acting out of fear of the AfD?
The year 2025 was again marked by wars. The Ukraine is entering its fourth winter of war. In the fall, Russia increased its attacks on the country, drones are bombing cities, and the Ukrainian army is coming under increasing pressure at the front. In September, drones invaded Polish airspace and Russian fighter jets were spotted in Estonian airspace. But in between all of this, there were also moments of hope this year – and recently intensive discussions, especially between Russia Ukraine and the USA.
The USA has already been able to bring about peace – at least on paper – elsewhere this year: on October 10th Gaza Strip a ceasefire in force. Even if it remains brittle, it gives people some breathing room. In the podcast we meet Nour Nofal again. She already had us in one in the summer Special episode told of her dream of becoming Gaza’s first female neurosurgeon. What does she want now?
If you think about Trump, government crises and wars: I don’t really want to review this year again – then we have even more for you in this episode. Colorful and lighter moments that also shaped 2025, as well as poems, games and, at the end, everyone’s tips and plans What now?-Hosts to breathe deeply.
Editor: Hannah Grünewald, Pia Rauschenberger, Constanze Kainz and Moses Fendel
Additional research Gaza: Hannah Israel
Production: Markus Glasses and Ole Pflueger
