Bayreuth and Friedman: Drama over Antisemitism and Memory
Bayreuth Festival first disinvited and then reinvited Jewish publicist Michel Friedman. The incident reveals Germany's neurotic longing to be spared from its own history.
Category Opinion
Daniel Günther Calls for Resignation of Left Party Co-Chair Pantisano
Schleswig-Holstein's Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) has demanded the resignation of Luigi Pantisano, the newly elected co-chair of the Left Party, after Pantisano compared the CDU to fascists in a newspaper interview.
Trump’s threats weigh on US-Iran talks in Switzerland
US Donald Trump issued harsh threats during the first US-Iran talks in Switzerland, prompting Iranian negotiators to walk out of the meeting prematurely.
Ceasefire or Armistice: What International Law Distinguishes
The agreement between Israel and Hezbollah is a ceasefire – a temporary halt to fighting. An armistice would be more binding under international law, and a peace treaty would be the best outcome.
US-Iran Deal: Lessons for Ukraine from Trump’s Capitulation
The draft US-Iran ceasefire agreement represents a sweeping US capitulation, granting Iran enormous economic and political gains. According to a Kyiv Post opinion piece, the deal, set to be signed on June 19, holds lessons for Ukraine about whom it can rely on.
Trump’s Deal Shows Washington Understands by Allies
The US-Iran deal reveals a transactional approach that presents allies with a fait accompli. For Ukraine, whose negotiating position is far weaker than Israel's, this is a warning, the Kyiv Post analyzes.
Expropriation and Rent Caps Won’t Solve the Housing Crisis
The Left party's plans to expropriate apartments and impose a rent cap in Berlin are not solutions to the pressing housing shortage.
Poland and Ukraine: Reconciliation Instead of Nationalist Division
Former Polish journalist Anna Magdalena Wielopolska calls on Poles and Ukrainians to reconcile. In an op-ed for the Kyiv Post, she advocates for an honest reckoning with their shared history and warns against letting Russia's war against Ukraine drive them apart.
German Festivals 2026: Lollapalooza, Deichbrand, Hurricane and Co.
Rock am Ring kicked off the season last week, but Germany's 2026 festival summer still has plenty to offer. From the North Sea coast to Berlin, music fans can look forward to major events featuring international stars across rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Jens Spahn confirms participation in secret meetings of Peter Thiel’s dialogue network
Jens Spahn, former German health minister, has taken part in secret meetings of Peter Thiel's dialogue network. However, he has canceled his attendance at the next meeting in Dublin in August 2024, according to multiple media reports.
Bert Rürup: Government Must Drive Reforms Itself
The social partners are too weak to support major reforms, warns chief economist Bert Rürup. The government must take the lead instead of seeking consensus.
Luigi Pantisano: Architect and Activist Wants to Lead Linke
Luigi Pantisano, a member of the Bundestag for Linke, has announced his candidacy for party chair. The 46-year-old son of Italian guest workers and trained architect aims to succeed Jan van Aken, who is stepping down for health reasons.
EU Council President António Costa stirs anger with Russia initiative
EU Council President António Costa called Moscow to speak with Vladimir Putin. This unilateral move is seen as an affront in Brussels.
Mozart’s ‘Così fan tutte’ as a Experiment in Wiesbaden
The Staatstheater Wiesbaden presents Mozart's 'Così fan tutte' as a social-psychological experiment set in a lecture hall. The production by Marie-Ève Signeyrole impresses musically but falls short conceptually.
DFB team faces Ivory Coast at World Cup: Kimmich takes on new key role
Germany's national team plays Ivory Coast on Saturday in Toronto. According to a podcast by Süddeutsche Zeitung, Kimmich faces a heavy workload – the midfielder must lead the young squad as captain and playmaker.
Opening of the Strait of Hormuz: Challenges for the Oil Market
The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen to shipping, but mines and other issues complicate the return to normalcy.
Pat Metheny in Munich: Guitar Master at the Peak of His Art
Pat Metheny thrilled the audience at the Isarphilharmonie with a concert that showcased him at the height of his unmistakable artistry. The guitarist surrounded himself with outstanding young talents.
Economists Demand Right to Choose Between Salary and Job Protection
A group of economists proposes that employees should be able to decide whether they want higher pay or stronger protection against dismissal. This could make the labor market more flexible, the authors argue.
NATO Chief Rutte: US Cuts to European Defense Take Effect Immediately
The United States has immediately implemented its plans to reduce military contributions to European defense. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged European allies to fill the gaps ahead of a defense ministers' meeting in Brussels.
Ukraine strikes Moscow oil refinery – Zelenskyy meets with NATO officials
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in two years, hitting an oil refinery, while President Zelenskyy held talks with NATO representatives in Brussels.
Russia’s Economic Weakness Does Not Guarantee an End to the War
Reports of Russia's economic weakness are mounting, but history shows this does not mean the war will end soon. Military ambitions often outpace economic capacity.
WM 2026: ARD Expert Wagner Criticizes Messi Decision and Praises New Rules
After the first round of group matches at the 2026 World Cup, ARD referee expert Lutz Wagner draws an interim conclusion. He criticizes the red card not shown to Lionel Messi but praises the new rules for net playing time.
Wolfsburg signs Hertha captain Fabian Reese
Wolfsburg has signed Fabian Reese from Hertha BSC. The 28-year-old offensive player received a contract until 2030, the club announced on Wednesday.
Why More Girls Are Identifying as Boys
At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, a specialized clinic for gender identity is seeing a surge in young patients. Psychotherapist Saskia Fahrenkrug observes a clear trend: around 80 percent of adolescents seeking help were assigned female at birth and now identify as male.
G7 Summit in Évian: Trump Shows New Willingness to Aid Ukraine
At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, a shift in the US administration's stance on Ukraine is emerging. After a phone call with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump publicly called on Russia to reach an agreement—a signal European leaders view as a success of their talks.
Brandenburg commemorates East German uprising 73 years on
Brandenburg state parliament on Tuesday remembered the East German uprising of June 17, 1953. Parliament President Ulrike Liedtke (SPD) and Dietmar Woidke (SPD) called for the defense of freedom and democracy.
Dominika Langenmayr: Bärbel Bas’ Tax Promise Is Unrealistic
SPD leader and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas has promised every citizen a 500-euro annual tax relief, but economist Dominika Langenmayr argues the plan is unfeasible due to rising costs and political hurdles.
Eduardo Bolsonaro sentenced for lobbying against Brazil
Brazil's Supreme Court has sentenced Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, to four years and two months in prison for lobbying the US government to interfere in legal proceedings against his father.
Kevin Warsh Faces First Rate Decision as Fed Chair
Kevin Warsh, the new chair of the US Federal Reserve appointed by Donald Trump, is about to make his first interest rate decision. Falling oil prices could give him some leeway, while inflation risks persist, as reported by Tagesschau.
Zverev battles into Halle second round, faces German rival Hanfmann
Alexander Zverev won his opening match at the grass-court tournament in Halle on Tuesday, defeating Czech player Vit Kopriva 6:3, 4:6, 6:2. The French Open champion will now face compatriot Yannick Hanfmann in the round of 16.
Knife Attack on SPD Mayor: Prosecutors Charge 17-Year-Old Daughter
Prosecutors have charged the 17-year-old adopted daughter of Iris Stalzer, the SPD mayor of Herdecke. Stalzer was found with life-threatening injuries in her home on October 7.
Serena and Venus Williams Receive Wimbledon Wildcard
Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon after a four-year absence. The 44-year-old and her sister Venus have been awarded a wildcard for the women's doubles competition, tournament organizers announced.
Michel Friedman: Bayreuth Festival Cancels Memorial Concert Citing Security Concerns
Michel Friedman was scheduled to speak at the opening of the 150th Bayreuth Festival about antisemitism and Richard Wagner. The festival management canceled the event due to security concerns, as reported by the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Debate over Lueger statue in Vienna: Anti-Semitism and police protection
The controversial statue of former Vienna mayor Karl Lueger has been re-erected under police protection. Vienna's Greens criticize the return of the monument as insufficient and warn of a problematic signal in times of growing anti-Semitic tensions.
Russian artist and Putin critic shot dead in Poland
The Russian artist and Putin critic Robert Kuzovkov, known under the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, has been shot dead in Poland. According to the BBC, the 44-year-old was killed on Monday morning in Biała Podlaska near the Belarusian border.
“Oresteia” in Nuremberg: Aeschylus’ Ancient Thriller as a Gripping Family Drama
Stephan Kimmig directs the "Oresteia" by Aeschylus at the Nuremberg State Theatre. The premiere is based on Robert Icke's adaptation and presents the ancient material as a gripping family drama.
John Bolton criticizes Trump: Iran outmaneuvered US in deal
Former US National Security John Bolton says Iran exploited Donald Trump's desperation in negotiations to secure better terms, weakening US strategic interests.
Trump: Iran Will Never Have Nuclear Weapons – Deal Enters Phase
US Donald Trump has reiterated at the G7 summit that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons. According to the Guardian, Trump said the agreement with Tehran is now entering its second phase.
Sheryl Crow criticizes UFC cage fights for Trump’s 80th birthday
US Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with a controversial martial arts spectacle directly in front of the White House. Singer Sheryl Crow sharply condemned the event.
Dino Toppmöller becomes new RC Lens coach
Dino Toppmöller takes over French cup winners RC Lens. The 45-year-old succeeds Pierre Sage, who is moving to Crystal Palace, as reported by FAZ.