Germany Today

German news in English

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Nuclear Waste Train Reaches Bavaria

A train carrying seven containers of highly radioactive nuclear waste is en route from Lower Saxony to Bavaria, Germany. The waste, processed in England, will be temporarily stored in Niederaichbach near Landshut.

17 min

Environment

Global Crackdown on 'Kidflix' Network

Authorities have dismantled "Kidflix," one of the largest child abuse platforms on the dark web, in a global operation involving 35 countries. The platform, with nearly two million users, was taken offline under the leadership of Germany's Bavarian State Criminal Police Office.

17 min

Crime

Germany Debates Healthcare Fees

Germany is considering reintroducing a healthcare fee to address overcrowded clinics and reduce unnecessary doctor visits. The proposed €20 fee per visit, supported by CDU, CSU, and SPD, aims to curb "doctor hopping" and promote responsible use of medical resources.

4 h

Health

Global Crackdown Dismantles 'Kidflix' Network

A massive international operation has dismantled "Kidflix," one of the largest platforms for child exploitation content, with nearly 2 million users worldwide. Coordinated by Bavarian authorities and Europol, the operation spanned 35 countries, leading to 79 arrests and the identification of 1,400 suspects.

9 h

Crime

Germany's Crumbling Bridges Crisis

Germany faces a critical infrastructure challenge as thousands of bridges across the country are in dire need of repair. Despite a €500 billion fund allocated for infrastructure, progress remains slow due to bureaucratic hurdles and unclear funding distribution.

18 h

Infrastructure

Germany Sees Rise in Violent Crimes

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

22 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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

1 April, 08:21

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.

1 April, 08:21

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.

31 March, 23:19

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.

31 March, 23:19

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.

31 March, 18:59

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.

31 March, 18:59

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