Jens Spahn proposes a blanket five percent cut to all subsidies
Union faction leader Jens Spahn has suggested a blanket reduction of subsidies ahead of the coalition committee discussions. This aims to help finance the tax reform.
Category Politics
Political news, decisions and debates from Germany, Europe and the world, reported with clear source attribution.
EU plans talks with Taliban on deportations to Afghanistan
The EU intends to invite representatives of the Taliban government for discussions on deportations to Afghanistan. A meeting is currently being prepared, as announced by a spokesperson for the EU Commission on Monday.
Ukraine Calls for Greater EU Involvement in Peace Negotiations
Ukraine urges Europe to take a more active role in peace talks with Russia, while Brussels responds with skepticism.
Bavaria Eliminates 519 Administrative Regulations – New Goal: 30 Percent Reduction
Since 2024, Bavaria has passed four modernization laws and eliminated 519 administrative regulations. The new goal of the state government is to reduce administrative regulations by 30 percent by the end of the year, as reported by the Bavarian State Chancellery to BR.
Söder, Wüst and Rhein: Three Ministers Presidents Against Merz
As Friedrich Merz struggles with the challenges of his coalition, Ministers Presidents Hendrik Wüst, Markus Söder, and Boris Rhein are positioning themselves strategically.
Rasmussen Calls for New Defense Alliance as Alternative to US Leadership
Anders Fogh Rasmussen advocates for the establishment of a new defense alliance to replace the US as the leading power. The former NATO Secretary General expressed this in an interview with Democracy News Alliance.
EU foreign ministers impose sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank
The EU foreign ministers have imposed sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank to combat ongoing violence in the region.
Daniela Klette to Deliver Own Plea at Verden Regional Court
In the trial against former RAF terrorist Daniela Klette at the Verden Regional Court, the defendant plans to deliver her own defense speech, according to her lawyers.
United Kingdom: Over 70 Labour MPs Demand Starmer’s Resignation
Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Keir Starmer as more than 70 Labour MPs call for his resignation following the elections.
Finance Minister Klingbeil Calls for Higher Taxes on High Earners
Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) demands a tax reform that places a greater burden on high earners. He made this statement at the DGB Federal Congress in Berlin.
Jens Spahn calls for radical subsidy cuts before coalition committee
Union faction leader Jens Spahn (CDU) has demanded a blanket reduction of subsidies by five percent to finance a tax reform.
Klingbeil calls for higher taxes on top earners in Germany
Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has demanded a tax reform that places a greater burden on top earners to reduce social inequalities.
UK: Keir Starmer Under Pressure as Ministers Call for Resignation
British Minister Keir Starmer faces increasing pressure following significant losses for his Labour Party in local elections. Minister Shabana Mahmood reportedly advised him to outline a resignation timetable.
Istanbul: Dismissed Mayor Imamoglu Rejects Espionage Charges in Court
Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu has rejected espionage charges in court, claiming political persecution.
Andriy Yermak, former advisor to Zelensky, under suspicion of money laundering
Andriy Yermak, the former head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine, is suspected of being part of a money laundering group.
Cem Özdemir presents new cabinet in Baden-Württemberg
Cem Özdemir unveiled his new cabinet for Baden-Württemberg on Tuesday, featuring many ministers from the Kretschmann era. Former Minister Theresa Schopper will take over the Ministry of Construction.
Keir Starmer faces growing calls for resignation from the Labour Party
Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is under pressure as more than 70 MPs have demanded his resignation. According to The Guardian, two cabinet ministers have advised him to set a timeline for his departure.
Energy Prices: Söder and Schwesig Advise Against Relief Bonus
Following the Bundesrat's veto, CSU leader Markus Söder sees no future for the relief bonus. Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, also recommends that the federal government reject the initiative.
AfD values continue to rise: Union’s migration policy under scrutiny
The AfD is gaining support while the CDU/CSU faces its lowest approval ratings since 2022, raising questions about the Union's migration policy.
Kaya Kallas: EU to Discuss Negotiations with Russia at the End of May
The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, announced that discussions regarding potential negotiations with Russia will take place on May 27 and 28 in Cyprus, including the EU's demands for Moscow.
Kallas rejects Schröder as EU negotiator with Russia
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has dismissed the appointment of former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as the EU negotiator with Russia, labeling him a Russian lobbyist.
Trial for the Murder of Irina Farion: Prosecutor’s Office Comments
The prosecutor's office in Lviv has responded to inquiries regarding the duration of the trial against Vyacheslav Sinitschenko, who is accused of murdering Irina Farion. According to Liga.net, the prosecution has not commented on the delays caused by the defense.
Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Calls for Stricter Rules for Citizens’ Income Recipients
Sven Schulze (CDU) has demanded a tougher approach towards citizens' income recipients, arguing that too many people receive benefits without providing anything in return, according to "Rheinische Post."
Federal Government: Russia Engages Organized Crime for Targeted Killings
Russia increasingly relies on organized crime for sabotage and targeted killings, according to Spiegel. The Federal Ministry of the Interior sees this as a serious threat to Germany's security.
EU plans new sanctions package against Russia to support Ukraine
The European Union (EU) is preparing a 21st sanctions package against Russia to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin. According to Politico, this 'powerful blow' could target Moscow's energy export revenues this summer.
Söder and Schwesig Reject Relief Bonus
The Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig, and Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder have rejected the planned relief bonus. Following the veto by the Bundesrat, the likelihood of the federal government's proposal being implemented has decreased significantly.
Pistorius surprises in Kyiv: Focus on drones and deep strikes
German Minister Boris Pistorius arrived unexpectedly in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on May 11 for discussions on military cooperation, according to DPA.
Berlin considers Schröder’s role as negotiator in Ukraine talks
The German government is contemplating appointing Gerhard Schröder as a negotiator for discussions with Russia, following an earlier rejection of such an idea.
Prime Minister Schulze aims to turn citizens’ income recipients into harvest helpers
Saxony-Anhalt's Sven Schulze calls for stricter rules for citizens' income recipients and plans mandatory work in agriculture. This is reported by the Post.
Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Calls for Increased Pressure on Citizens’ Income Recipients
Saxony-Anhalt's Sven Schulze (CDU) demands more pressure on citizens' income recipients ahead of state elections, criticizing the state for providing benefits without requiring any return.
Greens and CDU sign coalition agreement in Stuttgart
The Greens and the CDU signed their coalition agreement in Stuttgart on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a new government coalition in Baden-Württemberg.
AfD overtakes CDU in current polls
According to a survey by the Allensbach Institute for Demoscopy, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surpassed the CDU for the first time, with 26 percent of respondents indicating they would vote for the AfD in the next federal election.
Pistorius aims to build new high-tech weapons with Ukraine
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced a collaboration with Ukraine on the construction of new weapon systems during a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Mychajlo Fedorow in Kyiv.
Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Calls for Pressure on Citizens’ Allowance Recipients
Saxony-Anhalt's Sven Schulze (CDU) demands increased pressure on citizens' allowance recipients ahead of state elections, criticizing the state for providing too many benefits without requiring a return.
Minority groups fear rise in racism after Reform UK election victory
Following the local elections in Birmingham, members of minority groups are concerned about an increase in hostile rhetoric. According to The Guardian, outgoing Labour leader John Cotton expressed hope that the new administration will promote the city's diversity.
Bärbel Bas: Minister with a Skull Mentality
Bärbel Bas, the Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, faces increasing scrutiny within the coalition due to her controversial stance and a skull symbol on her smartwatch.
Söder and Schwesig reject 1000-euro bonus
After failing in the Bundesrat, Prime Ministers Markus Söder and Manuela Schwesig oppose the proposed 1000-euro bonus for employees. Schwesig instead calls for a comprehensive income tax reform.
German Government Rejects Proposal for Schröder as Mediator
The German government has dismissed Vladimir Putin's suggestion to appoint Schröder as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict as a mere façade. A spokesperson described the idea as not serious.
Pistorius Deepens Defense Cooperation with Ukraine
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has unexpectedly initiated talks in Kyiv to intensify defense cooperation with Ukraine. The SPD politician announced plans to jointly develop new weapon systems.
Ukrainian Army Reforms Contract Terms for Soldiers
The Ukrainian government is introducing a new contract structure for soldiers that establishes clear service periods. This reform is expected to benefit both new recruits and existing military personnel.