Exclusive: Merz Warns Europe, France Enforces Curfews, Growth Defies Gravity

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On today’s podcast:

(1) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned against complacency over the dangers posed by Russia, saying that President Vladimir Putin is seeking to not only defeat Ukraine, but to also undermine democracy in Europe.

(2) Ukrainian officials say they suspect the US is intermittently restricting intelligence sharing despite Trump administration denials, allowing Russian projectiles to strike Ukraine without warning — including in a ballistic missile attack on Sunday.

(3) French protests largely died down after authorities rolled out tougher security measures, including targeted curfews, following cost-of-living protests over the weekend that degenerated into violence, vandalism and looting.

(4) Vinted, a secondhand online marketplace that counts France as one of its largest markets, has seen an influx of listings suspected to contain looted items after riots broke out across the country.

(5) Shares of data-center infrastructure company Elice Inc. plunged in their trading debut, underscoring lingering concerns about whether the artificial intelligence boom can justify the billions of dollars being poured into the industry.

(6) Chancellor John Healey will not increase capital gains tax in the Budget next week, in a decision that will relieve business leaders who warned ministers against such a move.

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