GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 2004
Ownership
Cicero, a German monthly magazine for political culture, was founded in 2004 by journalist Wolfram Weimer and originally belonged to the Ringier publishing group. In a 2016 management buy-out, editors-in-chief Alexander Marguier and Christoph Schwennicke took the magazine (together with the art title Monopol) out of Ringier into their own Res Publica Verlags GmbH in Berlin. After Schwennicke left and sold his shares in 2021, the company is held by Marguier and financial manager Dirk Notheis, who are listed as the publishers.
Funding
Financed commercially through newsstand sales, print and digital subscriptions, and advertising, with the publishing house owned by its editor and a private investor rather than by a corporate group.
Affiliation & stance
Cicero is an opinion-driven political magazine with a conservative-liberal, center-right editorial line, but it is privately owned by its own editorial leadership and a private investor with no party, church or state control. That commercial, independent ownership makes it INDEPENDENT, consistent with the site's classification (lean center-right).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 105
67/100
Factual
59/100
Objective
123
Articles
121
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Monaco: Three injured in apartment explosion
Regime Change: Breathtaking revelations about Trump that have no consequences
ZDF today live: ZDF gives Musk a declaration of non-compliance
'That's where I'll be hanging then': Merkel portrait unveiled
I would like to ask you, Mr Friedman, to excuse me.
The unprepared Soviet Union the German attack jumped
Putin in Kazan: No word on major attack on Moscow refinery
Broadcasting contribution before the Federal Constitutional Court
FAQ on the new report: 1,500 pages on the unconstitutionality of the AfD
Recent coverage
Widerspenstige Piusbrüder: Die Rebellion beginnt pünktlich um neun
The article describes a traditionalist Catholic group known as the Pius Brothers (FSSPX) holding a mass at a site explicitly forbidden by the Vatican. The event takes place at a seminary in Écône, Switzerland, where members of the brotherhood, including priests with tonsures, gather for a solemn procession leading up to the Mass. The location includes a church dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and a tomb containing the remains of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the founder of the movement. Lefebvre, who was excommunicated by the Vatican, is revered by his followers for his staunch opposition to the reforms introduced during the Second Vatican Council. The Pius Brothers adhere strictly to the Latin liturgy of the old Mass and reject ecumenical efforts and the idea of religious freedom outside the Catholic Church. They consider themselves more faithful to papal teachings than the Pope himself, despite their controversial status within the Catholic Church.
Parteitag der AfD: Ausnahmezustand in Erfurt erwartet
The article reports on the upcoming AfD party congress in Erfurt, Germany, which is expected to be marked by significant protests due to the party's controversial stance and recent racist remarks by some of its members. The AfD has faced criticism for its anti-immigration policies and alleged racism, with several politicians making derogatory comments about the German national football team, using terms historically associated with Nazi ideology. As a result, various civil society groups, including churches, unions, and human rights organizations, have organized peaceful demonstrations against the event. There are also calls for blockades, though authorities expect both peaceful protests and potential clashes. Thüringer Interior Minister Georg Maier has pledged to uphold the right to assembly for both the AfD and protesters. Meanwhile, internal party dynamics are highlighted, with the current leadership facing re-election and potential influence from more extreme factions within the party.
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged for the first time that Russia is building 'some oil reserves' during a meeting focused on energy issues. He emphasized the need to strengthen domestic oil production and increase output. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continued their attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, detonating an oil purification plant in the southern Krasnodar region, which produces around four million tons of crude oil annually. The Krasnodar region is one of Russia's largest oil-producing areas located near the Black Sea. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces launched large-scale air strikes on Sevastopol, the largest city on Crimea, including attacks on oil facilities. In response, Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014, has restricted fuel sales to the public to counteract the energy shortages. According to reports, these attacks have had no impact on the front line. During an interview with a Russian state television station, Putin described the Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as an attempt to destabilize Russian society. He stated that Ukraine's goal was to halt the deployment of Russian military units to improve their position in arms control talks.
Debate on the firewall: the AfD asks no one these questions
The article discusses two contrasting situations involving the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The first involves a friendly interaction between AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund and CDU politician Guido Heuer during a public event in Halberstadt, where they appear to have a cordial relationship despite their political differences. This moment sparked controversy, with some criticizing such interactions during the election campaign. Heuer later had to publicly reaffirm his commitment to the 'Unvereinbarkeitsbeschluss' (incompatibility decision), which prohibits cooperation with the AfD. The second situation involves Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, a deputy leader of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, who stated in a podcast that the AfD would not consider forming a coalition with the CDU. However, this statement received no significant reaction, unlike similar actions by CDU politicians, which face scrutiny. The article highlights that while the AfD appears divided on the issue of cooperating with the CDU, the public does not hold them accountable in the same way as the CDU.
Algerian killed in Lower Saxony: evidence of xenophobia as motive
A man named Daniel F. is on trial in Lüneburg for the murder of Ayoub F., an Algerian national, which occurred in Uelzen. The prosecution alleges that Daniel F.'s motivation was xenophobic attitudes. According to the indictment, the two men had a verbal altercation at the Herzogenplatz, which escalated into a physical fight involving a snow shovel. Ayoub F. was stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife he carried, leading to his death from internal bleeding. Daniel F. did not flee the scene and was arrested without resistance. During the trial, Daniel F.'s lawyer stated that he does not hold extremist views but felt threatened due to past experiences of bullying and mental health issues. The prosecution has uncovered evidence suggesting Daniel F. harbored hostility toward migrants, including threats made against minors with migration backgrounds and racist remarks during previous incidents.
Earthquake in Venezuela: Android devices have warned more than 11 million people
In Venezuela, Android smartphones issued earthquake warnings to over 11 million people during recent strong tremors, potentially saving lives. According to the New York Times, citing data from Google, the acceleration sensors in these devices detected shaking three seconds after the earthquakes began, sending alerts six seconds later to areas most affected. Another six seconds later, a larger area including the capital Caracas was warned, with millions of devices receiving notifications six seconds after that. The exact impact of these warnings remains unclear. The country lacks a national earthquake warning system. Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck early Wednesday evening local time, leaving at least 1,450 dead according to official reports, though unofficial platforms suggest over 47,000 people are still missing. More than 70,000 families now rely on humanitarian aid, with many sleeping outdoors or in emergency shelters. Venezuela was already facing significant challenges before this natural disaster, including political instability following the U.S. military's reported capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Serbian President Vučić announces his resignation - I stand by our Constitution and our laws
Der serbische Präsident Aleksandar Vučić hat angekündigt, seinen Posten nach kurzer Amtszeit zu rücken und Neuwahlen abzuhalten. Die Demonstrationen gegen seine Regierung, die seit über einem Jahr andauern, wurden von der Regierung als Versuche zur Destabilisierung des Landes und sogar als Einflussnahme ausländischer Mächte beschrieben. Obwohl Vučić einen Rücktritt ankündigte, deutet er an, dass er stattdessen Ministerpräsident werden möchte, was möglicherweise zu vorgezogenen Wahlen führen könnte. In einem Interview betonte Vučić, dass seine Entscheidung nicht auf den Protesten beruhte, sondern darauf, die Bürger über den Zukunftsweg Serbiens zu entscheiden. Er erwähnte, dass die Protestbewegung eine eigene politische Liste gründete, die sich auf die bevorstehenden Wahlen vorbereitet.
Did Mathias Döpfner ask Merz to tear down the firewall?
The article titled 'Hat Mathias Döpfner von Merz gefordert, die Brandmauer einzureißen?' from STERN.de appears to be asking whether Mathias Döpfner has demanded that the 'Brandmauer' (which translates to 'border wall') be torn down. The headline suggests a potential controversy or debate around this issue, likely involving political figures or policies related to Germany's border control. However, the article itself does not provide any substantive content or detailed explanation beyond the question posed. No additional information or context is provided within the text, nor are there any cited sources or links to external materials.
Germany-Liveblog: Fratzscher lacks 'courage and consistency' in his pension proposals
The Junge Union (JU), the youth wing of Germany's CDU and CSU parties, has positively evaluated the pension reform proposals put forward by the Pension Commission. The JU previously criticized the current coalition government for measures that complicate the long-term financing of the pension system, such as expanding the 'mother's pension.' The Pension Commission plans to present its proposals in Berlin, including introducing a mandatory capital-backed supplementary pension modeled after Sweden’s system, linking retirement age to increased life expectancy, and eliminating the tax-free pension for long-term insured individuals. Additionally, the commission aims to restrict mini-jobs to students only. JU leader Johannes Winkel described these proposals as promising but emphasized the need to eliminate incentives for early retirement. Meanwhile, CDU leader Friedrich Merz stated he no longer files criminal complaints against insults since becoming Chancellor, noting that many cases are pursued by prosecutors independently. Lastly, the Left Party held a congress where new leadership was elected, with Luigi Pantisano facing challenges due to his low vote share.
Iran's withdrawal - Why Iraq is the decisive front in the Middle East
The article discusses the geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, focusing on the strategic implications of recent developments in Iraq and Syria. It highlights the U.S. military actions against Iran and their potential impact on reversing the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria in 2024 is presented as an opportunity for the U.S. to reduce Iranian influence in the region. The article notes ongoing efforts by the U.S. and its allies to weaken Iran's proxies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the 'Popular Mobilization Forces' in Iraq, while acknowledging that Tehran still maintains significant influence. It also mentions specific diplomatic moves, including the Iraqi government setting a deadline for pro-Iranian militias to disarm and high-level meetings between Iranian officials and Iraqi leaders.
European policy on Iran - Europe and the Middle East do not speak the same language
The article discusses Europe's approach to Iran, emphasizing dialogue and negotiations as the preferred method for handling relations with Tehran. It contrasts this European strategy with Iran's pursuit of its own strategic goals, which often conflict with Western expectations. The piece suggests that relying solely on diplomacy without a credible deterrent could lead to naivety and appeasement. The author highlights the historical tendency of many Western European countries to prioritize dialogue over confrontation in foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East and with Iran.
Results of the Coalition Committee - Not a big leap, but at least a hop
The coalition committee has reached an agreement on 34 reform measures, including tax relief, bureaucratic simplification, and changes to labor law. While these reforms are modest compared to previous political stagnation, they represent a small but meaningful step forward. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had promised significant reforms before the committee meeting, but the outcome was more of a cautious move. Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder described the reforms as not a major overhaul but a demonstration of the government's ability to act.
Agricultural companies in crisis: Baywa was Bavaria, now it's on the brink
The article discusses the crisis facing Baywa, Germany's largest agricultural trading company, which has become a symbol of rural life in Bavaria. The piece references a play titled 'Wachse oder weiche' by comedian Maxi Schafroth, who grew up on a farm in the Allgäu and worked at Commerzbank, a major bank for Baywa. Schafroth portrays the company's transformation from a local entity into a global player while highlighting its current financial struggles. The article notes that Baywa's fate is now being decided by creditors and shareholders, including Bavarian cooperative banks, with a potential collapse looming if a new restructuring plan is not agreed upon by the end of the month. It also draws a parallel between Baywa's cultural significance in Bavaria and the CSU's political identity.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
