Ten Quotes: What Moved Germany and the World in 2025

Ten Quotes: What Moved Germany and the World in 2025 - Ten Quotes: What Moved Germany and the World in 2025

October 2025 brought political tensions and cultural moments across the globe. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced criticism over his remarks on foreign policy while celebrating an election win. Meanwhile, international leaders clashed over conflicts in the Middle East, and a popular slang term topped youth language rankings.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz secured a federal election victory in early October. At a rally, he quoted a song by German entertainer Stefan Raab, calling the win a 'triumph for common sense'. His speech also addressed migration policy, claiming past failures were now being corrected amid the rise of the far-right AfD party.

Rolf Mützenich, then leader of the SPD parliamentary group, urged Merz’s CDU/CSU faction to seek alliances with centrist parties. The call came as political divisions deepened over domestic and foreign policy decisions.

Later in the month, Merz drew sharp criticism for describing Israel’s strikes against Iran as 'dirty work'. The remark sparked backlash from opposition leaders and diplomats. He also supported Bundestag President Julia Klöckner’s decision not to fly the rainbow flag over the Reichstag for Christopher Street Day, citing institutional neutrality.

On the international stage, former U.S. President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Trump accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude, while also expressing optimism about a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. 'The war is over,' he declared, though no formal agreement had been reached.

In Syria, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited a suburb of Damascus in late October. Shocked by the lingering destruction from the civil war, he cast doubt on the likelihood of large-scale voluntary returns by Syrian refugees in the near future.

Back in pop culture, U.S. superstar Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce announced their engagement on Instagram, drawing global attention. Meanwhile, German youth voted 'das crazy'—a catch-all slang phrase—as their Word of the Year, reflecting the country’s evolving informal language.

The month saw political leaders grappling with migration, foreign conflicts, and domestic divisions. Merz’s election win and controversial statements set the tone for Germany’s political landscape, while international tensions remained unresolved. Cultural highlights, from a viral engagement to youth slang, added contrast to the serious headlines.