Germany Today

German news in English

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Germany Sees Rise in Violent Crimes

Germany's 2024 crime statistics reveal a mixed picture. While overall crime dropped by 1.

1 h

Crime

Major Mafia Crackdown in Germany

A major operation targeting the Italian Mafia, particularly the 'Ndrangheta, unfolded across Germany and Italy, leading to 29 arrests. The coordinated raids spanned four German states—Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland—as well as multiple Italian provinces.

9 h

Crime

Doctors Debate No-Show Fees

Doctors in Germany are calling for financial penalties for patients who miss medical appointments without notice. The proposal, led by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, suggests fees ranging from €10 to €100, depending on the appointment type.

14 h

Health

Olaf Lies to Lead Lower Saxony

After 12 years as Lower Saxony's Minister-President, Stephan Weil has announced his retirement, citing age and health reasons. Weil, a key figure in the SPD, has proposed Olaf Lies, the current Economics Minister, as his successor.

18 h

Politics

AfD Closes Gap on CDU/CSU

Recent polls reveal a significant shift in German political preferences. The CDU/CSU alliance has seen a notable decline, dropping to 27% in the Verian poll and 25% in the Forsa survey.

23 h

Politics

Stephan Weil Steps Down in May

Stephan Weil, the long-serving Minister-President of Lower Saxony, has announced his resignation effective May 2025. After over 12 years in office, Weil will also step down as SPD state chairman.

Yesterday

Politics

Germany's Coalition Talks Face Criticism

Germany's coalition negotiations between the CDU and SPD have sparked heated debates, with concerns over economic policies and migration dominating discussions. Participants in a recent political talk show, "Hart aber fair," criticized the lack of clear direction, with some warning of dire economic consequences if reforms are not implemented.

Yesterday

Politics

Germany Debates Return of Military Service

Germany is debating the return of mandatory military service, a topic dividing the ruling coalition. The Bundeswehr faces a personnel shortage, with only 180,000 soldiers, prompting calls for action.

Yesterday

Politics

BAMF Chief Calls for Asylum Reform

Hans-Eckhard Sommer, the head of Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), has called for a radical overhaul of the asylum system. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Sommer criticized the current system as "cynical and inhumane," arguing that it invites abuse and endangers societal cohesion.

Yesterday

Politics

Global Protests Target Elon Musk

Protests against Elon Musk have erupted worldwide, fueled by his involvement in Donald Trump's administration and his perceived support for far-right politics. Demonstrations have taken place in the U.

Yesterday

World

Germany Debates Mandatory Service

Germany is witnessing a heated debate over the introduction of a mandatory "Freiheitsdienst" (Freedom Service). Proposed by Bavaria's Green Party leaders, Katharina Schulze and Florian Siekmann, the plan suggests that all residents aged 18 to 67 serve six months in roles such as military service, civil protection, or community service.

Yesterday

Politics

Devastating Earthquake Hits Southeast Asia

A powerful 7. 7 magnitude earthquake struck Southeast Asia, with its epicenter in Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

28 March, 10:00

World

Search Intensifies for Missing Boy

The search for six-year-old Pawlos, who went missing in Weilburg, Germany, continues with urgency. Police are analyzing a video that may show the boy on a busy street, accompanied by a passerby.

28 March, 05:29

Local News

Berlin Faces Traffic Chaos

Berlin is grappling with severe traffic disruptions following the sudden closure of the Ringbahnbrücke on the A100 due to structural damage. This key bridge, part of a major traffic hub, was shut down after a crack in its framework worsened, raising safety concerns.

27 March, 20:55

Politics

BVG Strike Talks Underway

The ongoing labor dispute between Berlin’s public transport operator BVG and the Verdi union has entered a new phase. External mediators, including former state leaders Matthias Platzeck and Bodo Ramelow, have been appointed to find a resolution.

27 March, 20:55

Politics

German Churches Face Membership Crisis

Germany's two major churches, Catholic and Protestant, lost over a million members in 2024, according to new statistics. The Catholic Church now has 19.

27 March, 16:16

Religion

Germany Debates Stricter Welfare Rules

Germany is embroiled in a heated debate over proposed reforms to its welfare system, particularly the Bürgergeld, a form of basic income for job seekers. The coalition talks between the CDU and SPD suggest stricter rules, including harsher penalties for those who repeatedly refuse work.

27 March, 16:16

Politics

Nationwide Search for Missing Boy

In Weilburg, Germany, a massive search is underway for six-year-old Pawlos, who has been missing since Tuesday. Pawlos, described as autistic and disoriented, was last seen at the Weilburg train station.

27 March, 06:42

Society

Europe Faces Urgent Defense Challenge

A recent discussion on the German talk show "Maischberger" highlighted the urgent need for Europe to accelerate its defense preparations. Military expert Carlo Masala and Bundeswehr General Inspector Carsten Breuer warned that Europe has only four years to become defense-ready against potential threats from Russia.

27 March, 06:42

World

CDU Faces Major Resignations

The CDU is facing a significant internal crisis as members of its Kühlungsborn city association in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern resign en masse. Frustration has erupted over party leader Friedrich Merz’s shift on key policies, including the relaxation of the debt brake and compromises on migration and climate neutrality.

26 March, 21:59

Politics

Court Upholds Solidarity Tax

Germany's Federal Constitutional Court has ruled that the Solidarity Surcharge (Soli) remains constitutional, rejecting a challenge by six FDP politicians. The court stated that the tax, introduced to address financial needs from reunification, is still justified due to ongoing fiscal demands.

26 March, 17:40

Politics

Brandenburg Pushes for Stricter Migration Policies

Brandenburg's Minister-President Dietmar Woidke (SPD) has called for a tougher stance on migration, including the establishment of a deportation detention center. With around 4,000 individuals in the state required to leave, Woidke emphasized the need for Germany to know who enters the country and to integrate those who stay.

26 March, 17:40

Politics

Razzia Targets Eritrean Terror Group

German authorities conducted raids across six states targeting 17 suspected members of the "Brigade N'Hamedu," an Eritrean opposition group accused of terrorism. The group, active in Germany since 2022, aims to overthrow Eritrea's authoritarian government and has been linked to violent protests at Eritrea-related events in Gießen and Stuttgart.

26 March, 12:59

World

CSU's Felßner Withdraws Amid Activist Protests

Günther Felßner, the CSU's candidate for Germany's Agriculture Minister, has withdrawn his candidacy following a controversial protest by animal rights activists. The incident occurred on his farm, where activists from Animal Rebellion climbed onto his cattle barn, lit flares, and displayed banners opposing his nomination.

26 March, 12:59

Politics

Germany Delays Coal Exit to 2038

Germany's Union and SPD parties are negotiating a coalition agreement, with climate policy as a key focus. The two parties have decided to delay the coal phase-out from 2030 to 2038, tying the timeline to the expansion of gas power plants.

26 March, 12:59

Politics