The ZDF talk show “Markus Lanz” continues its regular broadcast schedule this week, featuring prominent guests discussing pressing political and economic issues. The episode airing on Thursday, April 24, 2025, will include former CDU Economics Minister Peter Altmaier, FAZ economics journalist Julia Löhr, former ifo Institute President Hans-Werner Sinn, and theologian Manfred Lütz.1 The discussion will focus on topics such as Trump’s trade policies, the AfD’s role in German politics, and ongoing debates about income tax reforms.2
Key Guests and Discussion Points
The April 24 episode brings together experts from politics, economics, and theology. Peter Altmaier, known for his tenure as Germany’s Economics Minister, is expected to provide insights into international trade dynamics, particularly in light of recent U.S. policy shifts under the Trump administration. Julia Löhr, a seasoned economics journalist, will likely analyze domestic fiscal debates, including proposed tax reforms. Hans-Werner Sinn, a leading voice in economic research, may address structural challenges in the German economy, while Manfred Lütz could offer perspectives on the ethical dimensions of political decisions.1
Broadcast Details and Viewership Trends
“Markus Lanz” airs live on ZDF at 23:15 CET on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with episodes available afterward in the ZDF Mediathek.1 The show has maintained an average viewership of around one million since shifting its focus from lighter topics to more politically charged discussions post-COVID. Notably, the program has not featured a studio audience since 2020, a format change that has persisted due to its streamlined production.1
Comparative Analysis with Competing Talk Shows
The same evening, ZDF will also broadcast “Maybrit Illner” at 22:15 CET, covering migration policy compromises in Germany.3 While both shows tackle political themes, “Markus Lanz” distinguishes itself with a broader range of topics, including economic and social issues. The absence of overlapping guests between the two programs allows viewers to access diverse viewpoints across ZDF’s lineup.
Relevance to Current Events
The April 24 episode’s focus on Trump’s trade policies and the AfD’s political influence aligns with ongoing debates in Germany about economic sovereignty and far-right party dynamics. Given the upcoming federal elections, these discussions are particularly timely. The inclusion of a theologian like Manfred Lütz also suggests an exploration of moral questions in governance, a recurring theme in Lanz’s recent episodes.2
Conclusion
The April 24 installment of “Markus Lanz” promises a robust debate on issues shaping Germany’s political and economic landscape. With a lineup of high-profile guests and a focus on contentious topics, the episode is likely to draw significant attention from viewers interested in policy analysis. For those unable to watch live, the ZDF Mediathek provides on-demand access to the full discussion.1
References
- [1] “Sendung verfolgen: Markus Lanz heute live im TV und in der Mediathek – so kann man die ZDF-Talkshow sehen,” Kreiszeitung, Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.kreiszeitung.de/politik/sendung-verfolgen-markus-lanz-heute-live-im-tv-und-in-der-mediathek-so-kann-man-die-zdf-zr-93696676.html
- [2] “Markus Lanz heute: Gäste & Themen am 24. April 2025,” HNA, Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.hna.de/politik/verfolgen-markus-lanz-heute-live-im-tv-und-in-der-mediathek-so-kann-man-die-zdf-sendung-zr-93698461.html
- [3] “Maybrit Illner heute: Gäste am 24. April 2025,” SWP, Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.swp.de/unterhaltung/tv/maybrit-illner-heute-gaeste-24-april-2025-78007459.html
- [4] “Wer weiß denn sowas? heute: Diese Promis sind am 17. April dabei,” RND, Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.rnd.de/medien/wer-weiss-denn-sowas-heute-diese-promis-sind-am-17-april-dabei-QNDWEQNG7ZB27NUILC7Y4AJXWE.html
