Where's the courage? Resilience? Candour? Imagination? Where is the practical optimism and sensible risk-taking to meet our many long-term challenges? I've been advocating this, with examples from abroad. It's too early to say for sure, but might Andy Burnham have found some of it?

Today is publication day of the German edition of Braver New World - 'Mutig in die Zukunft'. Last night marked the first in a series of events, with a great audience, as Germany grapples with the need for political courage. Will post on it once the pictures are in. In the meantime, here's the cover

My instant analysis on the BBC news channel of the two important German elections this evening, seconds after the first exit polls were published

Today is the 2nd time I've voted in Germany (first was the gen election early 2025). This time it's the regional elections in Berlin - and rarely has a vote for liberal democracy felt so vital. The results here and in Meck-Pom nearby will have huge repercussions. Will be broadcasting & writing later

The extremist AfD party has won the state election in Saxony Anhalt – it is a disaster for the west. Both Putin and Trump will be well pleased ✏️ @johnkampfner.bsky.social

On this very difficult day for Germany and for liberal democracy, I gave an interview to BBC News and the ever-excellent Kasia Madera on today's elections in Saxony-Anhalt. You can watch it here

A portentous day for Germany and liberal democracy everywhere

The shadow of the AfD hangs over German democracy – but I still have faith in my adopted country | John Kampfner

A week ahead of elections in Saxony-Anhalt

A new season of events on 'Braver New World' started yesterday in Edinburgh with a packed-out event with Jeremy Hunt & Liz Lloyd. We didn't agree on everything (that would've been strange); we did agree that voters are crying out for fresh ideas from around the world to get us out of the mire.