Overview
- ARD’s Maischberger on December 9 examined Germany’s reform gridlock and the newly released U.S. security strategy with guests including Peer Steinbrück, Thomas de Maizière and security scholar Peter Neumann.
- ZDF’s Markus Lanz the same night centered on the U.S. strategy under President Trump with Karin Prien, Elmar Theveßen, Florence Gaub, Eva Quadbeck and Dr. Jan Wynands, reflecting European concern reported in previews that included Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of parts of the paper.
- Maischberger’s December 10 edition features Cem Özdemir on reform policy and the Greens’ future, with commentary from Petra Gerster, Susanne Gaschke and Gordon Repinski, plus a segment on the updated U.S. security concept with Jan van Aken and Christian Mölling.
- Wednesday’s Markus Lanz shifts to state modernization and AI readiness in government with Digital and State Modernization Minister Karsten Wildberger and journalist Michael Bröcker, airing at 0:00 due to Champions League coverage.
- Both programs air late at night and stream in ARD/ZDF Mediatheks, and Maischberger enters a holiday pause after the December 10 broadcast with new episodes expected in January.