heute journal vom 15.07.2026 Sommer-Pressekonferenz, Bürokratieabbau, Wasserknappheit

Chancellor Friedrich Merz gave a positive assessment of the economy, migration, and Europe at his summer press conference and rejected criticism of his title of "Foreign Chancellor." At the same time, the possibility of taking sick leave from the first day of illness is being discussed. In Turkey, ten years after the failed coup attempt in 2016, the victims are being commemorated. More on this and other news of the day in today's journal. 00:00 Opening Credits 00:23 Merz: "Much achieved – but not enough" At his second summer press conference, Chancellor Merz gave a positive assessment of the economy, migration, and Europe. He rejected criticism of his title of "Foreign Chancellor." 04:21 Coalition: "Disputes in a different style" After the major reform package, the contentious issues naturally remained for Friedrich Merz and the coalition, but the disputes were now being conducted in a different style, says ZDF correspondent Wulf Schmiese in Berlin. 8:34 a.m. Sick leave certificate from day one: What companies say Sick leave from the first day – control or bureaucracy? While some companies welcome the regulation, others reject it. And some have already implemented it themselves. 1:12 p.m. Bureaucracy reduction: What the government is planning The German government has decided on new measures to reduce bureaucracy – relief measures totaling ten billion euros are to follow. ZDF economics expert Frank Bethmann provides context. 4:39 p.m. Water scarcity: New information system for citizens Where is water scarcity threatening? The new "Niwis" system shows water levels and groundwater in real time. Germany has lost 60 billion cubic meters of water in 25 years. 8:01 p.m. Ten years since the attempted coup: Turkey commemorates From July 15 to 16, 2016, the military attempted to overthrow Erdoğan – more than 250 people died. The attempted coup ultimately granted Erdogan even greater powers. 26:28 "Party all night long" in Argentina "It was pretty intense how this room collapsed in on itself," says ZDF reporter Yacin Hehrlein in London – while our ZDF reporter in Buenos Aires is already feeling the effects of the party. ---- Here on ZDFheute News, you'll find out what's happening in the world and what affects us all: We provide clarity in the world of news, explain the background, and address social debates. Join us for live discussions and form your own opinion based on the facts we present. Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss anything. Stay up-to-date at https://www.zdfheute.de/. #SummerPressConference #Reforms #heutejournal