Political news, decisions and debates from Germany, Europe and the world, reported with clear source attribution.
The German federal cabinet has approved a reform of driving school training aimed at making obtaining a driver's license cheaper and more flexible. Patrick Schnieder (CDU) called it a key to freedom, while TÜV and driving instructors warn of safety risks.
Environmental groups have reacted with alarm to the latest report from the Expert Council on Climate Issues. According to Deutschlandfunk, the panel sees Germany's 2030 climate goals in jeopardy.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer has rejected calls to resign after his party suffered heavy losses in local elections, vowing to fight the next general election.
Several police unions have warned against the AfD taking over the government in Saxony-Anhalt. They fear restrictions on the rule of law and access to security information.
Purely fact-based communication is no longer enough to counter the AfD, writes the Tagesspiegel in a commentary. What is needed is respect, taking uncertainties seriously, and refraining from demarcation.
In Saxony-Anhalt, a debate has begun on how to prevent a possible takeover of government by the AfD. According to Deutschlandfunk, various political and legal options are being discussed.
Markus Söder insists that the coalition must implement a comprehensive reform package by the summer break to address pressure from the public and the economy.
Dirk Wiese expresses concerns about the potential participation of the AfD in the government of Saxony-Anhalt, warning of a dangerous access to the state apparatus.
The Expert Council on Climate Issues has presented its review report on Germany's climate goals today in Berlin, highlighting significant implications for the federal government.
Markus Söder is adjusting his strategy following recent defeats in local elections, focusing more on economic issues.
The coalition of Union and SPD faces critical weeks as the AfD gains ground in polls. CSU leader Markus Söder warned on Saturday in Würzburg of a potential government failure.
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure from the rise of right-wing populism and internal party conflicts.
Despite tensions between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US Donald Trump, the German government is committed to acquiring Tomahawk missiles.
Wes Streeting, the former Minister, has declared his intention to run against current Labour leader Keir Starmer. He made this announcement in an interview with Deutschlandfunk.
Venezuela has extradited businessman Alex Saab, a close associate of former President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States, according to the Venezuelan migration authority.
Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) envisions a "Only Yes Means Yes" regulation in sexual offense law, as she stated in an interview with the Catholic News Agency (KNA).
Alexander Kühnen, CEO of Bahlsen, has taken a strong position against the AfD, urging companies to advocate for democracy.
The defection of Hollie Hughes and Teena McQueen to One Nation is causing a stir in Australian politics.
Labor Minister Bärbel Bas is under fire for her hesitant reform policies, with many in the coalition questioning her courage, according to FAZ.
Klaus Holetschek, leader of the CSU parliamentary group in the Bavarian State Parliament, criticizes the planned care reform as disproportionately burdensome for those affected. He warns of a "course towards social coldness."
Wes Streeting has sharply attacked Keir Starmer in his first public speech since his resignation, demanding the UK's return to the European Union.
Cycling in forests in North Rhine-Westphalia will soon be restricted to designated paths, according to a government proposal.
Friedrich Merz advises his children against traveling to the USA, which Richard Grenell sharply criticizes.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the Rassemblement National, seeks to align himself with Friedrich Merz (CDU) as the 2027 French presidential elections approach.
US authorities have charged Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, who is believed to be responsible for nearly 20 attacks on Jewish and US facilities in Europe. The suspect was arrested in Turkey and extradited to the US.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) faces an internal crisis under Kaja Kallas. Power struggles between the European Commission and member states threaten the identity of the service, reports Kyivpost.
Georg Maier, the Interior Minister of Thuringia, calls for measures to assess the risks of a potential AfD government in Saxony-Anhalt. The impact on Germany's security architecture will be discussed at the Interior Ministers' Conference in June.
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann seeks to engage in dialogue with trade unions following booing directed at Friedrich Merz, emphasizing the need for clearer communication on reforms to enhance political credibility.
Friedrich Merz (CDU) has once again commented on the USA while questioning his own communication style. This has sparked discussions within the coalition, according to Deutschlandfunk.
Virginia Democrats faced a legal setback as the Supreme Court denied their emergency motion aimed at implementing a new district map before the November midterms.
A Moscow court has ruled in favor of the Russian Central Bank in its lawsuit against Euroclear, ordering the Belgian financial service provider to pay approximately 18.2 trillion rubles.
The AfD in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern aims to establish a return police to combat illegal migration if they win the elections in September.
SPD parliamentary leader Miersch has raised doubts about the permanent continuation of the fuel discount, warning against blanket solutions and calling for targeted relief.
The United States has halted the deployment of 4,000 soldiers to Poland, raising questions about troop withdrawal in Europe.
The German government plans to abolish the traditional eight-hour workday. Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) announced a draft bill for June.
Friedrich Merz, the tenth Chancellor of Germany, sees the current democratic upheaval in the USA as a warning for Germany. According to Deutschlandfunk, the situation in the USA could also impact German politics.
Friedrich Merz and US Donald Trump have reached an agreement on Iran policy during a phone call, both urging Iran to return to the negotiating table.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces increasing internal party resistance. Following a debacle in local elections, more Labour Party members are demanding his removal, according to Die Zeit.
Steve Reed, the Housing Minister and close ally of Keir Starmer, acknowledged Starmer's unpopularity and urged the Labour Party to prioritize the country's interests over party politics.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed has admitted that Keir Starmer is unpopular. He emphasized that the Labour Party should not change its leadership like the Conservatives did.