Berlin clashes internally over Iran-linked threats as the AfD hits a 41 percent record in Saxony-Anhalt
Germany's federal leaders and state intelligence chiefs are at private odds since the US-Israeli war on Iran over how to warn the public about Iran-sponsored attacks on German soil, the New York Times reported from 11 officials and lawmakers; Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt cast the threats as 'largely hypothetical' while regional spy chiefs call them concrete. Brussels cleared a €5 billion German state-aid scheme for industrial decarbonisation, and a new Infratest dimap poll put the AfD at a record 41 percent in Saxony-Anhalt, 15 points clear of the CDU.
Top Stories
Berlin's state intelligence chiefs warn of urgent Iran-linked hybrid-attack threat as Merz and Dobrindt play it down
Germany's national leaders and state intelligence agencies have clashed privately since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran over how bluntly to warn the public about the risk of Iran-sponsored attacks on German soil, according to a New York Times account drawing on 11 German intelligence officials, former officials and lawmakers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt have publicly cast the threats as 'largely hypothetical'; regional intelligence chiefs inside state governments say the threats are more concrete and urgent, five senior officials told the paper. Germany's role hosting US bases used in the Iran campaign has made the country a target in Tehran's eyes and is feeding fears of bombings or hybrid attacks by proxy agents recruited by Iran.
EU approves €5 billion German state aid for industrial decarbonization
The European Commission on Wednesday approved a €5 billion German state aid scheme to help energy-intensive industries shift to climate-friendly production. The funding, to be allocated via competitive tenders based on cost efficiency, targets sectors such as chemicals, metals, paper, glass and cement. Projects must cut emissions by at least 50% within four years and 85% by the end of the 15-year contract period.
AfD reaches 41% in Saxony-Anhalt state election poll, record high
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a record 41% in a new Infratest dimap poll for Saxony-Anhalt, four months before the state election on September 6. The CDU, led by state premier Sven Schulze, trails at 26%, while the Left Party stands at 12% and the SPD at 7%. The poll shows 62% of respondents are dissatisfied with the current state government.
All Events
Every other event tracked in Germany, with a one-line preview.
de33Merz rules out confidence vote or minority government amid political speculation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly ruled out calling a confidence vote or forming a minority government, a move that highlights his precarious political position. The article explains that under the Basic Law, a chancellor can only be removed by resignation or a constructive vote of no confidence, making scenarios of replacing Merz with figures like Jens Spahn or Markus Söder unrealistic.
Show summaryHide
Merz rules out confidence vote or minority government amid political speculation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly ruled out calling a confidence vote or forming a minority government, a move that highlights his precarious political position. The article explains that under the Basic Law, a chancellor can only be removed by resignation or a constructive vote of no confidence, making scenarios of replacing Merz with figures like Jens Spahn or Markus Söder unrealistic.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly ruled out calling a confidence vote or forming a minority government, a move that highlights his precarious political position. The article explains that under the Basic Law, a chancellor can only be removed by resignation or a constructive vote of no confidence, making scenarios of replacing Merz with figures like Jens Spahn or Markus Söder unrealistic.
de28Number of German top-up benefit recipients drops by a third since minimum wage introduction
The number of 'Aufstocker' (people receiving state top-up benefits despite working) in Germany fell from 1.24 million in 2015 to 809,815 in 2025, a drop of over a third since the minimum wage was introduced. However, total state spending on these benefits only decreased slightly from €7.2 billion to €6.97 billion, as average monthly support per recipient rose from €483 to €717 due to higher rent and heating costs. Left Party MP Ince criticizes the situation as state subsidization of exploitation and calls for a higher minimum wage and more collective bargaining.
Show summaryHide
Number of German top-up benefit recipients drops by a third since minimum wage introduction
The number of 'Aufstocker' (people receiving state top-up benefits despite working) in Germany fell from 1.24 million in 2015 to 809,815 in 2025, a drop of over a third since the minimum wage was introduced. However, total state spending on these benefits only decreased slightly from €7.2 billion to €6.97 billion, as average monthly support per recipient rose from €483 to €717 due to higher rent and heating costs. Left Party MP Ince criticizes the situation as state subsidization of exploitation and calls for a higher minimum wage and more collective bargaining.
The number of 'Aufstocker' (people receiving state top-up benefits despite working) in Germany fell from 1.24 million in 2015 to 809,815 in 2025, a drop of over a third since the minimum wage was introduced. However, total state spending on these benefits only decreased slightly from €7.2 billion to €6.97 billion, as average monthly support per recipient rose from €483 to €717 due to higher rent and heating costs. Left Party MP Ince criticizes the situation as state subsidization of exploitation and calls for a higher minimum wage and more collective bargaining.
de15German Bundestag debates stricter accessibility rules amid criticism
The German Bundestag is debating amendments to the Disability Equality Act aimed at improving accessibility. The government proposes requiring both public entities and private providers to remove barriers, but only if it does not impose disproportionate burdens. Critics, including disability advocates and the government's own commissioner, argue the provisions are too vague and voluntary, potentially leaving many barriers intact. The deadline for federal buildings to become accessible has been extended from 2035 to 2045.
Show summaryHide
German Bundestag debates stricter accessibility rules amid criticism
The German Bundestag is debating amendments to the Disability Equality Act aimed at improving accessibility. The government proposes requiring both public entities and private providers to remove barriers, but only if it does not impose disproportionate burdens. Critics, including disability advocates and the government's own commissioner, argue the provisions are too vague and voluntary, potentially leaving many barriers intact. The deadline for federal buildings to become accessible has been extended from 2035 to 2045.
The German Bundestag is debating amendments to the Disability Equality Act aimed at improving accessibility. The government proposes requiring both public entities and private providers to remove barriers, but only if it does not impose disproportionate burdens. Critics, including disability advocates and the government's own commissioner, argue the provisions are too vague and voluntary, potentially leaving many barriers intact. The deadline for federal buildings to become accessible has been extended from 2035 to 2045.
de10German coalition disputes MP pay rises, EU approves €5bn climate subsidies
Germany's ruling coalition is divided over automatic pay rises for Bundestag members, with the SPD opposing the increase due to economic conditions while the CDU supports it. Separately, the European Commission approved €5 billion in German state aid for industrial decarbonization. The far-right AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of state elections.
Show summaryHide
German coalition disputes MP pay rises, EU approves €5bn climate subsidies
Germany's ruling coalition is divided over automatic pay rises for Bundestag members, with the SPD opposing the increase due to economic conditions while the CDU supports it. Separately, the European Commission approved €5 billion in German state aid for industrial decarbonization. The far-right AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of state elections.
Germany's ruling coalition is divided over automatic pay rises for Bundestag members, with the SPD opposing the increase due to economic conditions while the CDU supports it. Separately, the European Commission approved €5 billion in German state aid for industrial decarbonization. The far-right AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of state elections.