Articles by this author
OPINION: Merz really needs to talk Germany up or he'll hand the country to extremists
Halfway through a bruising decade, the relentless focus on what is going wrong in Germany is making things worse for everyone except extremists. A more positive attitude is urgently needed, argues Brian Melican, and starting from the top.
OPINION: The coming year will bring even more chaos to those living in Germany
As an eventful 2025 draws to a close and Germany takes stock, our columnist Brian Melican casts his gaze ahead to the new year: what can we expect in 2026? More of the same uncertainty and crisis – or worse?
OPINION: Yes, Germany's slide toward hard-line immigration policies will impact you
Some foreigners, who have integrated into German life, see themselves as apart from the debate on immigration and its consequences. But everyone who was not born in the country should remember they are immigrants too, writes Brian Melican.
What will Germany's new conscription law mean for young Germans and dual nationals?
As the coalition government wrangles over re-introducing conscription, Brian Melican examines the related debate, what the likeliest outcomes are, and what the looming draft would mean for young Germans and dual-nationals.
OPINION: Germany has sent the wrong signal to the very immigrants it needs
After Germany acted efficiently to scrap its fast-track naturalisation route less than 18 months after its introduction, Brian Melican argues this abrupt policy shift is a depressing warning to exactly the kind of people the country needs.
OPINION: Deutsche Bahn's problems are too big for a new boss to fix
Germany's national railway operator got a new boss who has promised to bring a 'new start' to the troubled company. Brian Melican examines that challenges she faces, suggesting that the real issues are systemic.
Insider tips: The essential things to do in Hamburg in the summer
If you're looking for some inspiration on what to do in Hamburg this summer, then our columnist Brian Melican, who is based in the northern German city has some sound tips for you.
OPINION: Three months in Merz's Germany has felt a whole lot longer
Little over three months into his term as Chancellor, Friedrich Merz and his coalition have brought significant changes to Germany. At the 100-day mark, Brian Melican examines where Merz’ government has lived up to expectations – and where it hasn’t.
OPINION: Why Germany’s pensions problems will soon be your problem
As government spending on pensions soars again and economists discuss options for financing ever-growing entitlements, Brian Melican examines the German system – and the prospects for everyone currently paying into it.
OPINION: Politicising Germany's Constitutional Court is a dangerous game
Last week, an election of judges to the Constitutional Court was abruptly postponed, creating a fresh political crisis. Brian Melican unpacks the controversy, and explains why the politicisation of Germany's highest court is a serious threat.
OPINION: Yes you can make local friends in Hamburg, here's how
For many visitors and new arrivals, northern Germany appears to be a cold region with even colder people. But Brian Melican, who lives in Hamburg, argues that you can make lasting friends here - it just takes some time.
OPINION: It's high time Germany scrapped the rent brake
Germany's federal government is set to extend the rent brake, or 'Mietpreisbremse', until 2029. But columnist Brian Melican argues that the rent control may actually be doing more harm than good.
The five big challenges facing Germany's next chancellor Friedrich Merz
Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set take office on Tuesday. Columnist Brian Melican sifts through a daunting in-tray. Which of the pressing issues will the inexperienced Merz prioritise?
From citizenship to renting: What to expect when Germany's coalition talks conclude
With coalition negotiations between the CDU-CSU and SPD reaching a crucial point of no return, Brian Melican looks at what the likely outcomes will be and what they will mean for people living in Germany. One thing about these talks is already clear: failure is not an option.
Germany has ditched the debt brake, but what will the consequences be?
By ditching its revered debt brake Germany has veered radically and unexpectedly off course. Brian Melican explains how it happened and what it all means for Germany and its residents.
OPINION: Merz is on top but the Left are surprise winners in Germany's dramatic election
After a close-run election, a new German parliament is coming together. Our columnist Brian Melican shares who the vote winners and losers are, and what the results mean for the next government.
OPINION: With Merz in charge, foreigners in Germany can expect volatile months ahead
With just over a week until Germany goes to the polls, it looks certain that Friedrich Merz will lead the next government. But what kind of chancellor will he be? Given recent events, expect a political rollercoaster, writes columnist Brian Melican.
OPINION: Why there's no way of stopping the rise of the far-right AfD in Germany
With a month until Germany votes in the nationwide election, Brian Melican examines the growing influence of the AfD during the campaign – and explains why, in the short term, there is no way of stopping the far-right party’s rise in the polls.
OPINION: Five things to expect in Germany's snap elections
As Germany heads into full-on election mode, you can expect the obligatory cheesy posters on lampposts, immigrant-bashing, some arguing back and forth and - soon - lots of coalition wrangling, says Brian Melican.
OPINION: Germany’s coalition lost its way and the path forward is unclear
Setting out three years ago to be "more than the sum of its parts", Germany’s three-party coalition soon proved considerably less, writes Brian Melican. Now it has failed, leaving behind a fractured political landscape with no obvious path forward.
OPINION: The state of healthcare in Germany has become worryingly frail
Pharmacies are running out of drugs, hospital are running out of equipment and money and it's getting harder to get a basic doctor's appointment. Brian Melican spells out just how ailing the healthcare system in Germany is.
OPINION: Attitudes to foreigners in Germany are hardening and should concern us all
Swapping the national "moanfest" for the cheerier Oktoberfest, columnist Brian Melican looks ahead to what will be the likeliest outcome of Germany's general election scheduled a year from now – and explains why he and readers of The Local are right to be worried.
OPINION: After UK and French elections, Germany's headaches this summer lie at home
With the British and French election results being kind on Germany, the main problems for Berlin this summer will be homegrown, explains Brian Melican.