GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1949
Ownership
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, first published on 1 November 1949, is issued by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH. Its majority shareholder is the FAZIT-Stiftung (Fazit-Stiftung Gemeinnützige Verlagsgesellschaft mbH), a private non-profit foundation created in 1959 to safeguard the paper's independence, which holds about 93.7% of shares. The foundation is held by up to nine co-opted individuals who cannot sell their shares but must pass them on free of charge to successors chosen for their standing and ability to guarantee the FAZ's independence.
Funding
Funded commercially through subscriptions, newsstand sales and advertising; the foundation structure exists to insulate it from outside owners rather than to subsidise it.
Affiliation & stance
A conservative-liberal, centre-right quality daily with no party or government ownership. Because it is controlled by an independent self-perpetuating foundation expressly designed to keep it free of party and state influence, it is INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1217
80/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
1518
Articles
1491
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Debate on the AfD in the CDU: The AfD is a Western party
Reiner Haseloff, former Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt and member of the CDU, warns against any cooperation with the AfD after the upcoming state election on September 6. He argues that parts of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt are unconstitutional and would lead to a fundamentally different system with a completely different value system if such collaboration were allowed. Haseloff emphasizes that the CDU cannot work with the AfD unless the party changes its current radical stance. While he remains firm against cooperation with the Left Party, he criticizes the media for their 'Western perspective' and claims they contribute to a negative portrayal of East Germany, which plays into the hands of the AfD. Haseloff acknowledges past contributions to East-West divisions within his own CDU but insists that the AfD is primarily a Western party.
How to make the holiday break back at work last as long as possible
The article discusses the concept of maintaining the positive effects of vacation in daily life, focusing on psychological research about 'fade-out effect' where stress returns after returning from vacation. It highlights new findings suggesting that vacations significantly improve mental well-being, with benefits lasting up to a month if the vacation is sufficiently long. According to legal standards, employers must provide at least two weeks of continuous vacation, which experts consider optimal for recovery. The piece also reports on record-breaking travel numbers in Germany in 2025, showing increased spending on vacations despite rising prices, with popular destinations including Spain, Italy, Turkey, and domestic locations. Experts suggest that the location is less important than disconnecting from daily routines.
Grand Prix at Zandvoort: where Formula 1 becomes too expensive
The article discusses the financial challenges facing the Formula 1 race in Zandvoort, Netherlands, which is set to be removed from the calendar after five years. The event, considered a home race for local driver Max Verstappen, has become increasingly expensive to host, with costs rising to an average of $40 million per race. The organizers, who operate the track privately, claim they cannot afford to continue hosting the event due to financial risks and responsibilities. Despite high attendance and revenue potential, the cost structure makes it unsustainable, with ticket prices required to exceed €300 per attendee, far beyond what the venue’s capacity can support.
Norwegian football star: Haaland parted his hair
Erling Haaland, der norwegische Fußball-Stürmer von Manchester City, hat sich kürzlich von seinen langen blonden Haaren getrennt und sich stattdessen einen rasierkurzen Frisur (Buzz Cut) geben lassen. Die Entscheidung wurde in einem siebenminütigen YouTube-Video erklärt, in dem Haaland seine neue Looks zeigt. Er begründete den Wechsel damit, dass es Zeit für einen Neuanfang sei, insbesondere vor der neuen Saison. Obwohl er einen Rat von Zlatan Ibrahimovic ignorierte, der ihm empfahl, seine Haare nicht zu rasieren, setzte Haaland den Entschluss konsequent um. Die Reaktionen der Fans waren gemischt, mit positivem Feedback sowie skeptischen Kommentaren, die Zweifel äußerten. Die Änderung seiner Erscheinungsform könnte auch Auswirkungen auf die Popularity und die Fan-Kultur haben, da Haalands Haare in der Vergangenheit oft Gegenstand von Memes und Diskussionen waren.
Trafficking in human beings: 'Europe was itself a slave zone'
The article by Jan Robert Weber discusses the historical phenomenon of large-scale slavery in medieval Europe, comparing it to the slave trade in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using medieval chronicles and annals, Weber argues that both regions were 'slaving zones' that supplied slaves to major centers like Byzantium and the Caliphate. The piece highlights the scale of human trafficking, estimating up to half a million people enslaved between 834 and 933, with total casualties possibly reaching one million. It also examines the paradox of European rulers, such as Charlemagne and Henry I, who created protective states against enslavement while simultaneously engaging in slave-taking for economic gain.
US-Canada trade war: 50 percent tariffs for the old friend
The trade conflict between Canada and the United States has escalated after failed negotiations on a tariff compromise. The U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports worth approximately $28 billion annually. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would retaliate with equivalent tariffs to protect workers and businesses. The U.S. cited the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 as the legal basis for these tariffs, a law often blamed for exacerbating the Great Depression. According to Canada, the talks collapsed because the U.S. demanded last-minute changes to proposed terms that were deemed unfair and economically unsustainable. The U.S. accused Canada of rejecting the agreement reached earlier in the week, despite offering Canada the best market access among major exporters. The failure of the negotiations casts doubt on the future extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is currently set to be renewed for another 16 years.
Effects of low water: Port of Duisburg under stress
The article discusses the ongoing low water levels in the Rhine River affecting the Duisburg port and related industries. The port operator Duisport reports that despite recent rainfall, the river level remains below normal, with the current level at 1.49 meters, lower than during the severe drought of 2018. Officials warn that this situation poses risks to shipping and industrial supply chains, particularly for inland waterway transport. Federal and state authorities, including NRW Minister Oliver Krischer, have met to discuss urgent measures, criticizing the slow progress of initiatives aimed at improving river navigability. The federal government has reduced funding for transforming inland shipping by half, leaving only 37 million euros available, which officials argue is insufficient. There is also pressure to implement planned improvements to the river channel. The Duisburg port, Europe’s largest inland port, handles over 20,000 ships and 25,000 trains annually, supporting around 52,000 jobs directly and indirectly, making it a critical economic pillar in the region.
Cyclist Julian Alaphilippe: The last dance of the Loulou
The article profiles Julian Alaphilippe, a French cyclist known for his aggressive riding style and success in the Tour de France. It highlights his achievements, including winning two world championships and carrying the yellow jersey for nearly two weeks during the 2019 race. The piece reflects on his career decline in recent years, noting his struggles with performance and health issues, including multiple falls in early 2024. Alaphilippe has decided to retire at age 34, despite having a contract with the Swiss team Tudor until 2027. He cited personal reasons, including changes in perspective as a father and concerns about the dangers of modern cycling, as factors in his decision.
Iran threatens Gulf states: Not a drop of oil will leave the Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian regime has escalated its threats against Gulf states that support U.S. sanctions against Iran, warning that any cooperation with Washington would result in economic devastation. National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei accused these countries of participating in an 'economic war' and warned that oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz would cease entirely. The threat comes amid ongoing military clashes between Iran and the U.S./Israel, where Iran has attacked Gulf monarchies to increase costs for its adversaries. Rezaei also threatened to keep the strategic strait closed until Washington changes its approach. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump intensified sanctions, promising 'hardest sanctions in history,' while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced new punitive measures. In parallel, the United Arab Emirates suspended trade with Iran and financial transactions, raising concerns about the impact on Iran’s economy. Iranian Central Bank Chief admitted that oil revenues had effectively collapsed.
Regulatory policy: Liberalism is not dead
The article discusses the growing skepticism towards liberalism in economic and geopolitical contexts, citing scholars like Michael Hüther and Moritz Schularick who argue that the era of regulated order based on thinkers like Montesquieu is ending. They suggest a shift toward more interventionist states, particularly in response to global challenges such as U.S.-China tensions and Russia’s military threat. The piece critiques the current trend of abandoning established economic principles in favor of state-driven policies, pointing to examples like misguided subsidies in the chip industry and mismanagement of public funds. It references the 'Nirvana Fallacy', a concept from economics where policymakers assume perfect market outcomes, and warns against using vague terms like 'resilience' or 'sovereignty' to justify flawed interventions.
Returning to England: What are Harry and Meghan up to?
The article discusses Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to return to the United Kingdom from California, focusing on their potential future roles and activities. It mentions Meghan's possible involvement in the third season of the Netflix series 'The Gentlemen' directed by Guy Ritchie, which involves a fictionalized account of a former UN soldier returning home to find a large cannabis plantation. The article notes that while they are moving to a private house in the Cotswolds, this is distinct from royal residences like Highgrove House. Additionally, it references Harry's ongoing efforts with the Invictus Games, a sports event for wounded veterans, and his hope to collaborate with his father, King Charles III, on future events. The article also touches on the gathering at Balmoral Castle where members of the royal family discussed the implications of Harry and Meghan's return.
The Rhine on the move: Frankfurt is closer to New Delhi than the competition
The article discusses Germany's efforts to strengthen economic ties with India, highlighting Hesse's role as a key player. It notes that multiple German politicians, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and regional leaders like Melanie Leonard and Mario Voigt, have engaged with Indian officials since the EU-India Free Trade Agreement was signed in January. Hesse, home to Frankfurt, the largest financial center in continental Europe, has a strategic advantage due to its proximity to South Asia and significant share of Indian investments in Germany. However, the article acknowledges challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles in India and the need for sustained private sector engagement to turn these contacts into tangible results.
A driver with a medical problem: car races through pedestrian zone in Hesse - eight injured - n-tv.de
A driver with a medical issue caused a car to crash through a pedestrian zone in Hesse, resulting in eight injured individuals. The incident highlights concerns about road safety and the potential risks posed by drivers experiencing health problems behind the wheel. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether the driver was aware of their condition at the time of the collision. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing medical assistance to those affected. The event has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations or monitoring of drivers who may have underlying health conditions.