Politics

Politics in Germany, as well as the EU and global affairs

Politics quick read articles →

Number of deployable nuclear weapons on the rise

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

The peace research institute Sipri has identified a worrying trend in the development of nuclear weapons. Overall, the total number of nuclear warheads continues to decline, the Stockholm-based institute noted in its annual report published Monday. Currently, however, more nuclear weapons are operational than a year ago, it said. The reduction of deployable warheads appears to have stalled. At the same time, comprehensive and expensive modernization programs were underway. According to the...

Trump demands corona reparations from China

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

In his first major public appearance since leaving the White House in January, former U.S. President Donald Trump attacked U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, demanded reparations from China and denounced the investigation into his finances as a witch hunt. Speaking at the Republican Party convention in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump joined a chorus of Republican politicians criticizing Fauci for his handling of the Corona pandemic. Trump said Fauci was "not a great doctor, but a...

State collects too much from pensioners

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Millions of people can hope to pay less tax on their pensions. This is the result of a landmark ruling by the Federal Fiscal Court on Monday. Although Germany's highest tax judges rejected the specific complaint of a tax consultant and a dentist because of the accusation of double taxation. There was no double taxation in either case which is why the appeals were unfounded, the chairwoman of the X. Senate, Jutta Förs, emphasized. For many other people, however, the ruling could bring real...

Schools in Berlin an election issue

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Teacher shortage, dilapidated school buildings, digitalization backlog: The fact that the Corona virus has highlighted the weaknesses of the school system, not only in Berlin, "as if under a burning glass" has almost become a cliché. Now, moreover, the issue is becoming part of the election campaign for the upcoming elections to the Berlin House of Representatives: With the campaign "Schule muss anders" ("School Must be Different") and the single-issue party "Bildet Berlin!" ("Educate...

Switzerland saws at the bridge to Europe

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Switzerland breaks off negotiations with the EU on the conclusion of an institutional framework agreement. This was announced by the Federal Council, as the government is called in Switzerland, on Wednesday afternoon in Bern. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (FDP) justified the break-off in a press conference with "substantial differences" in central points of the agreement, which was negotiated for a total of seven years. The agreement was intended to secure Switzerland's access to the European...

Self-determination law for trans people failed

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

A new right to self-determination for trans people will not be introduced for the time being. Corresponding bills from the FDP and the Greens were rejected by a large majority of votes in the Bundestag on Wednesday evening.Thus the transsexual law, which has been in force for 40 years, will continue to exist. In advance, the opposition had put pressure on the SPD to openly release the vote similar to marriage for all and to push through the bills against the coalition partner.There were only 118...

America won't let China play the role of benefactor

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Angela Merkel did not even try to mask her recent disagreement with the U.S. government: "I believe that we need the creativity and innovative power of companies." This includes patent protection. Suspending it is not the solution to making vaccines available to more people, she said after an EU summit in Porto. The problem, she said, is not "that someone is sitting on their patent." It's about producing high-quality vaccine, she said. The German chancellor thus turned against a move by...

President Vladimir Putin is still playing games

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Vladimir Putin is becoming a real enigma with each additional year of his already lavish term in office (21 years). The Russian president seems increasingly distant, withdrawn, inaccessible. At the same time, the swings of his system are becoming less and less predictable. Many years ago, Putin said goodbye to his past as a head of state who was open to the market and turned toward the West. Now he seems to be completely caught in the autocratic dilemma that sooner or later afflicts all...

Laschet, not Söder, CDU candidate for Chancellor

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Following his selection as candidate for chancellor, Armin Laschet calls on the CDU/CSU to unite in the election campaign. "The CDU will not win the election without the CSU - and vice versa," the CDU chairman said in a press conference early this afternoon. He said it was important for the Union to "go into the election as a team." His opponent, CSU leader Markus Söder, had withdrawn his candidacy at midday and pledged his support to Laschet. The latter thanked him for the "good, fair handling...

Merkel lockdown update review

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Those responsible in the federal states have known for some time that the federal-state round of talks next Monday would come to nothing, due to the Chancellor's ebarassing TV appearance on the Sunday evening after the "Easter rest" debacle. The agreement to define Maundy Thursday and Easter Saturday as quasi shut-down days was quickly removed from the table. What Angela Merkel and the Conference of Minister Presidents had decided proved impossible to implement. Merkel's prompt apology...

Reform of euthanasia clears the first hurdle in the Bundestag

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

Whether out of pure charity or in return for payment - anyone who helps others commit suicide remains unpunished in Germany. That was the ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court last year, when it overturned the ban on commercial euthanasia adopted in 2015 - a radical decision, as SPD health politician Karl Lauterbach recently put it. This means that any form of euthanasia, commercial or otherwise, is exempt from punishment. As before the ban, there is no legal framework for assisted suicide...

Japanese Comfort Women resolution requires empathy for South Korea

April 13, 2026 • 03:10 PM

For about 30 years, there have been strained relationships between South Korea and Japan because of the so-called Comfort Women Japan issue. Although an agreement was reached in 2015, South Korea feels it is not enough and insists that Japan has never fully apologized. Japan sees as if South Korea isn't interested in reconciliation. The comfort woman statue in front of Japan's embassy in South Korea that was raised by activists several years ago has yet to be removed. The Japan Comfort...

German PKV Insurance

German Private Health Insurance

Both private Health Insurance in Germany and public insurance, is often complicated to navigate, not to mention expensive. As an expat, you are required to navigate this landscape within weeks of arriving, so check our FAQ on PKV. For our guide on resources and access to agents who can give you a competitive quote, try our PKV Cost comparison tool.

Hospitals

Hospital and Clinic Directory

Germany is famous for its medical expertise and extensive number of hospitals and clinics. See this comprehensive directory of hospitals and clinics across the country, complete with links to their websites, addresses, contact info, and specializations/services.

Events

Upcoming Events

Münchener Biennale - Isithunzi von Monthati Masebe

,,Isithunzi" bedeutet auf Zulu ,,Würde" - zugleich kann es aber auch als ,,Geist des Todes und der Erneuerung" übersetzt werden. Die Idee: In jedem von uns steckt eine Verbindung zu unseren Vorfahren und zu einer universellen Energie, die alles Leben hervorbringt. Auf Grundlage eines Texts der...

More News...

US Announces Partial Troop Withdrawal from Germany: Responses from German Officials and NATO
The United States has revealed plans for a partial withdrawal of its military personnel stationed in...
Massive Clean-Up in Berlin-Kreuzberg After May Day Festivities Leave Streets Covered in Litter
Following the annual May Day celebrations in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, municipal cleaning crews...
Emergency Services Respond to Over 1,600 Incidents During May Day Celebrations in Berlin
Berlin's emergency medical teams and firefighters faced intense demand during the May Day...
Peru Investigates Alleged Recruitment of Citizens for Russian Military Operations
Authorities in Peru have launched an investigation into suspected recruitment efforts targeting...
Rescue Operation in Swabian Alb Cave: Missing Hiker Found Deceased After Extensive Search
A tragic incident occurred during an excursion to the Falkensteiner Cave in the Swabian Alb, where a...
Emergency Hospital Drive: Court Overturns Fine After Tragic Loss of Baby
A severe medical emergency unfolded late at night when a pregnant woman experienced significant...
Oliver Welke Addresses Backlash Over Remarks About Singers and Their Fans
Prominent television satirist Oliver Welke has responded to public criticism following comments he...
Greece Implements Stricter Beach Protection Measures Amid Overtourism Concerns
Greece has introduced new and comprehensive regulations to safeguard its coastline, responding to...

IT Job Opportunities

Frontend Developer, Vue / Node
Join a leading global record label in the vibrant city of Cologne as a Frontend Developer specializing in Vue and...
UX Designer
We are seeking a talented UX Designer to become a vital part of our expanding Digital team, based in Manhattan Beach,...
Software Test Engineer
As a leading telehealth solution provider, Caregility is on the forefront of connecting care through innovative...
Project Manager
We are seeking a highly skilled Project Manager responsible for the successful planning, scheduling, and execution of...
Machine Learning Engineer
We are looking for a skilled Machine Learning Engineer to join our team and contribute to the development of...
DevOps Engineer
We are looking for a skilled DevOps Engineer to join our dynamic team in Downingtown, PA. In this role, you will be...
Data Engineer I
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Data Engineer I to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be...
Information Security Analyst
We are seeking an Information Security Analyst who will play a crucial role in safeguarding information security...