Der Druck auf Friedrich Merz wächst, seine Koalition kämpft mit internen Reibungen und verlorener Autorität. Bei der heutigen Ministerpräsidentenkonferenz aber trifft der Kanzler auf einen CDU-Parteifreund, der ist ungleich erfolgreicher als er. Hendrik Wüst gilt in der Union als derjenige, der Stabilität verkörpert und Macht ausübt, ohne dass es laut wird. Gordon Repinski erklärt, warum die CDU in Nordrhein-Westfalen gerade als positives Gegenmodell wahrgenommen wird und wie Wüst im Schatten des Kanzlers zu einer möglichen Option für die fernere Zukunft wird.
Im internationalen Teil geht es um die erfolglosen Gespräche zwischen Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner und Wladimir Putin. Die Mission der beiden US-Sondergesandten hat keinen Fortschritt gebracht. Jonathan Martin in Washington beschreibt, warum wirtschaftlich motivierte Ansätze scheitern und weshalb nur erfahrene Diplomaten echte Bewegung in den Ukraine-Konflikt bringen könnten.
Im 200-Sekunden-Interview spricht Jan van Aken, Co-Vorsitzender der Linkspartei, über Voraussetzungen für diplomatische Fortschritte. Er fordert eine stärkere Rolle Chinas-
Zum Schluss geht es um eine Art Social-Media-Hufeisen zwischen der AfD und der Linkspartei. Ein Leitfaden der AfD orientiert sich an Kommunikationsmustern der politischen Konkurrenz.
Das Berlin Playbook als Podcast gibt es jeden Morgen ab 5 Uhr. Gordon Repinski und das POLITICO-Team liefern Politik zum Hören – kompakt, international, hintergründig.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/bloc-quebecois-leader-yves-francois-blanchet-gives-a-speech.jpg?id=60035447&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C143%2C0%2C144"/><br/><br/><p>With <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/federal-election" target="_self">Canada's federal election</a> coming up on Monday, April 28, Yves-François Blanchet and the Bloc Québécois are hoping to win over Quebec voters with a platform that puts the province front and centre.</p><p>The Bloc is a federal party that only runs candidates in Quebec and aims to defend the province's language, culture, and political autonomy in Ottawa. While they don't seek to form government, they focus on getting more power for Quebec within the federal system.</p><p>If you're still making up your mind, here are six major priorities the Bloc is highlighting in their 2025 platform.</p><p>For the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, PPC and Greens, check out <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/who-to-vote-for" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_self">MTL Blog's election hub</a>.</p><h3>Promote Quebec's culture and language</h3><br/><p>The Bloc Québécois is committed to strengthening Quebec's cultural identity and the French language. Their <a href="https://www.blocquebecois.org/enjeux/promouvoir-notre-langue-francaise/" target="_blank">2025 platform</a> outlines several key initiatives:</p> <ul> <li> <strong>Transfer of cultural powers</strong>: Proposing the transfer of all legislative powers and federal funding related to arts and culture to Quebec, including the creation of a Quebec broadcasting and telecommunications council (CRTQ).</li> <li> <strong>Mandatory French proficiency</strong>: Introducing legislation to require sufficient knowledge of French for obtaining citizenship in Quebec.</li> <li> <strong>Federal employee language requirements</strong>: Mandating that federal public servants working in Quebec demonstrate proficiency in French.</li> <li> <strong>Support for francophone culture</strong>: Ensuring that 40% of all federal cultural funding is allocated to francophone culture.</li> <li> <strong>Enhancing cultural visibility</strong>: Advocating for federal support of initiatives that increase the discoverability of Quebec culture on digital platforms.</li> <li> <strong>Modernizing cultural institutions</strong>: Proposing reforms to modernize Radio-Canada/CBC, including greater independence between French and English networks and free access to all online content.</li> <li> <strong>Copyright reform</strong>: Working towards updating copyright laws to address challenges posed by digital technologies and artificial intelligence.</li></ul><h3>Create a healthier environment</h3><br/><p>The Bloc Québécois says "Quebec has always been green" and they want to keep it that way.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.blocquebecois.org/enjeux/choisir-un-environnement-sain/" target="_blank">party argues that Quebec's forests, rivers, land, and clean energy are key to building a sustainable economy</a> and tackling the climate crisis, no matter what happens in U.S. politics.</p><p>If elected, the Bloc promises to:</p> <ul> <li> Defend Quebec's environmental sovereignty, ensuring that provincial laws take precedence over federal ones when it comes to land use and environmental protection.</li> <li> Push for a hard cap on emissions from Canada's oil and gas sector, leading to real, annual reductions in carbon pollution by 2030.</li> <li> Introduce a windfall tax on oil and gas profits, using the revenue to fund climate adaptation projects and help communities deal with natural disasters.</li> <li> Demand a federal reinsurance program so that Quebecers can still access affordable home insurance, even as extreme weather becomes more frequent.</li> <li> Double federal funding for public transit and support all Quebec-selected transit projects.</li></ul><h3>More control over immigration</h3><br/><p>Blanchet's party wants Quebec to have full control over immigration. That includes transferring all immigration powers from Ottawa to Quebec, including the International Mobility Program.</p><p>The party is also<a href="https://www.blocquebecois.org/enjeux/encadrer-limmigration/" target="_blank"> calling for the federal government to consult with Quebec and other provinces when setting immigration targets</a>, so they align with each region’s capacity to welcome newcomers.</p><p>Lastly, the Bloc wants Quebec to be allowed to grant conditional permanent residency, requiring immigrants to settle in specific regions as part of their integration process.</p><h3>Strengthening the border</h3><br/><p>The Bloc Québécois wants to <a href="https://www.blocquebecois.org/enjeux/renforcer-les-frontieres/" target="_blank">tighten border controls and improve security across Quebec's entry points</a> — and they're proposing some big changes to make it happen.</p><p>The party says it would:</p> <ul> <li> Create a Minister of Borders, who would be fully responsible and accountable for managing border services.</li> <li> Increase penalties for human smugglers operating at or near the border.</li> <li> Give border agents the power to intervene anywhere along the border, not just at official crossings.</li> <li> Reverse the federal government's reduction of border post hours, ensuring better service and security.</li> <li> Tackle the flow of illegal firearms by working more closely with law enforcement.</li> <li> Strengthen cross-border cooperation with U.S. and Mexican authorities to combat organized crime, especially in connection with the fentanyl crisis.</li> </ul> <p>While the party sees the fentanyl crisis as first and foremost a public health emergency, it says border enforcement still plays a crucial role in stopping the illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs.</p><h3>Maximize Quebec's natural resources </h3><br/><p>The <a href="https://www.blocquebecois.org/enjeux/maximiser-nos-ressources/" target="_blank">Bloc Québécois' platform includes boosting Quebec-made materials</a> and protecting local industries from unfair trade.</p><p>For wood, the party proposes a federal "wood charter" to increase use in construction and renovation. It also wants emergency funding for the forestry sector and a full plan to support local processing and manufacturing.</p><p>For aluminum, the Bloc calls on Ottawa to help smelters expand into European markets and to give aluminum the same trade protections as steel under CUSMA.</p><p>For critical minerals, the Bloc says Quebec should control its own land and resources. It opposes federal deals made without Quebec's consent and wants the battery industry developed in Quebec, from extraction to recycling.</p><h3>Fight the cost of living and support seniors</h3><br/><p>The Bloc Québécois wants to <a href="https://www.blocquebecois.org/enjeux/hausser-la-pension-de-vieillesse/" target="_blank">end what it calls discrimination against seniors aged 65 to 74</a> by increasing Old Age Security payments for that group by 10%. The party says this would eliminate the current "two classes of seniors" created by the Liberal government. It also wants to raise the earnings threshold for Guaranteed Income Supplement recipients so they can work more without losing benefits, and introduce tax incentives for seniors who stay in the workforce.</p><p>To help all Quebecers cope with rising costs, the Bloc proposes doubling the GST credit during any quarter where inflation exceeds the Bank of Canada’s target range (1% to 3%) and issuing it monthly. It also wants to:</p> <ul> <li> Adjust the Canada Child Benefit to better support blended families by basing it on the income of the actual caregivers</li> <li> Remove GST from all second-hand goods</li> <li> Limit credit card interest rates</li> <li> Offer loan guarantees of up to $10,000 for Quebecers under 35 who want to start a business</li></ul><p><br/></p><p>The Bloc Québécois' entire election platform is available on the <a href="https://www.blocquebecois.org/" target="_blank">party's website</a>. </p><p><em><em></em>Looking for more election information? Here's why federal party leaders want you to vote <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/why-vote-liberal-mark-carney-2025-federal-election" target="_self">Liberal</a>, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/why-vote-conservative-pierre-poilievre-2025-federal-election" target="_self">Conservative</a>, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/why-vote-ndp-jagmeet-singh-2025-federal-election" target="_self">NDP</a>, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/ppc-why-vote-maxime-bernier-2025-election">PPC</a>, and <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/why-vote-green-may-pedneault-2025-federal-election" target="_self">Green</a>.</em></p>
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-poses-on-a-cozy-street-in-quebec-city-right-a-festive-cozy-alley-in-montreal.jpg?id=54970412&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you've always dreamed of spending the holidays in one of those postcard-perfect settings that look <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/almonte-christmas-village-near-montreal-hallmark-movie">straight from a Hallmark movie</a>, you actually don't need to travel very far! </p><p>This week, Condé Nast Traveller <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-12-08/copenhagen-to-quebec-14-cities-that-do-christmas-best">dropped its annual list</a> of the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/best-places-in-the-world-to-spend-christmas-conde-nast-traveler-2023">best places in the world to spend Christmas</a>, and two Quebec destinations were ranked right up there with iconic spots like London, New York City, and Paris for the second year in a row. </p><p>The annual list isn't just about <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/german-christmas-market-near-montreal">Christmas markets</a>. It's about the kind of festive vibes that make your heart grow three sizes, from decades-old local traditions to streets so beautifully lit they look like they've been plucked out of a storybook. </p><p>While the charming, vintage-style Christmas markets of Cologne (Germany) and Edinburgh (Scotland) were ranked among the top spots, Quebec City's cobblestone streets and Montreal's chic, snow-dusted festivities also made the list.</p><p>Here's a closer look at each spot and why they're considered among the best places on Earth to celebrate the holidays.</p><h3>Quebec City</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1LH9mELS5i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C1LH9mELS5i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>CN Traveller described Quebec City as one of the oldest cities in North America and gushed about its French colonial architecture, which makes you <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quaint-village-european-christmas-market-close-to-montreal">feel like you've stepped into a European Christmas village. </a></p><p>During the holidays, Old Town's cobblestone streets are lined with shops and bistros decked out in their festive best, and the whole place glows with twinkling lights. </p><p>CN Traveller also highlighted Quebec City's famous Au 1884 toboggan run by Château Frontenac. It's been there since 1884 and a serious adrenaline rush, as well as a cute photo op. You can zoom down icy tracks on a wooden sled at up to 45 miles per hour, all while taking in panoramic views of the city.</p><p>When you're ready to cozy up after a day of sledding and sightseeing, CN Traveller suggests staying at Auberge Saint-Antoine. With its roaring fireplace in the lobby, heated bathroom floors, and a Christmas package that comes with a five-course dinner, holiday movie screenings, and even a visit from Santa, it's not hard to see why this spot got a shoutout.</p><h3>Montreal</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCfeqZtpVX2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCfeqZtpVX2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>If you think you need a transatlantic flight to get a taste of Europe during the holidays, think again. CN Traveller called Montreal Canada's "chicest" city, and during Christmas it's like the city turns into a giant holiday snow globe. </p><p>The ranking highlights Montreal's cozy French restaurants, stylish boutiques for those last-minute gift runs, and "over the top festivals" that also earned it a place on the publication's <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/worlds-best-new-years-eve-spots-3-hours-from-montreal">Best Places to Spend New Year's Eve list.</a></p><p>If you're looking for a quintessential Christmas moment, CN Traveller says attending mass at Notre Dame Basilica is a must. This place is breathtaking year-round, but it's next-level stunning during the holidays. Plus, CN Traveller describes it as "one of the most gorgeous churches in the world." </p><p>If you need to stay overnight, the ranking recommends Hotel Place d'Armes. Its central location means you can roll out of bed and get straight into the holiday spirit (and spend as little time as possible in the cold!).</p><p>Whether you're a Montrealer or a Quebec City local, you're already in one of the best places in the world to spend Christmas! So forget the long-haul flights and jet lag—your perfect holiday season is right here at home.</p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
