German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticised a US-brokered agreement allowing Russian diesel exports, calling it unacceptable to Germany and the European Union. Merz reaffirmed Berlin’s support for Ukraine and said upcoming European talks would focus on tightening sanctions against Moscow despite domestic energy pressures.
Germany Proposes Permanent Strategic Gas Reserve Funded by Consumer and Business Levies
Germany’s Economy Ministry has unveiled draft legislation to establish a permanent, state-managed natural gas reserve financed through levies on households and businesses. The proposal aims to protect the country from future energy supply disruptions and price volatility following the loss of Russian pipeline gas.
German Conservatives Consider Parliamentary Walkout to Prevent AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt
The Christian Democratic Union in Saxony-Anhalt is considering leaving the chamber during December’s minister-president election to prevent its lawmakers from secretly supporting Alternative for Germany candidate Ulrich Siegmund. The proposal follows an earlier vote in which CDU members helped elect an AfD politician as state parliament president, raising concerns over the party’s longstanding refusal to cooperate with the far right.
Berlin Coalition Talks Suspended Amid Dispute Over Antisemitism in Left Party
Negotiations between Berlin’s Social Democrats, Greens and Left Party have been suspended following a dispute over the admission of politician Vanessa Emde to the Left Party’s parliamentary group. The move reportedly breached an earlier understanding concerning politicians who had questioned Israel’s right to exist, creating a new obstacle to forming a coalition government.
Germany Approves €25 Million in Monthly Wage Support for Insolvent Galeria Chain
Germany’s Federal Employment Agency has approved monthly payments of €25 million to cover wages for approximately 12,000 Galeria department store employees. The temporary support follows the retailer’s fourth insolvency filing since 2020, raising further questions about the future of its stores in German city centres.
Nuremberg Airport Reopens After False Emergency Alert Triggers Fighter Jet Escort
Germany’s Nuremberg Airport has resumed operations after a Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 flying from Greece transmitted an emergency code that prompted a security lockdown. German Eurofighter jets escorted the aircraft to the airport, where authorities determined that a technical radio malfunction, rather than a hijacking, had triggered the alert.
German Political Art Group Sues Government Over Withdrawal of Cultural Funding
German activist collective Radikale Töchter has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s cancellation of its public funding. The withdrawal reportedly followed criticism from senior conservative politicians, prompting debate over political influence on cultural grants and support for activist organisations.