German far-right politician, co-chair of AfD
Thousands of protesters have mobilised in Erfurt as the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has held its national congress to re‑elect co‑leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. Police have deployed large numbers to clear blockades; most delegates have reached the conference and voting has gone ahead as planned.
The Guardian and The Scotsman pieces outline Andy Burnham’s task of navigating EU relations and defence co-operation after inheriting Starmer’s reset agenda. Europe signals openness, but wary demands persist as the UK seeks closer ties without rejoining the single market.
Authorities have identified 21-year-old Abdul Ballout as the suspect who has driven a van into a crowd near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day closing party, then stabbed people; one woman has died and about 29–31 people have been injured. Police have shot and killed Ballout after a manhunt, and investigators have found a video and other material referencing Islamic State on devices linked to him.
A 21-year-old German national, Abdul Ballout, has driven a van into crowds near Berlin's Pride festival, then stabbed others. One woman has died and numerous people are injured as authorities investigate an Islamic State link. Ballout has been killed in a police confrontation; prosecutors say he sought to join IS and had prior convictions. Investigations focus on how he moved freely after prior sentences.
Migrants have surged into Ceuta, Spain, prompting Spain and Italy to intensify border controls. Italy has temporarily suspended Schengen with Spain and called for stronger external borders; Spain reports most migrants have returned to Morocco. EU interior ministers will convene to address the border emergency.
The AfD has surged in Saxony-Anhalt, threatening to win an outright majority in the state election. CDU trails and coalition dynamics loom as parties weigh their options in the wake of a results shock that could reshape Germany’s political landscape.
The AfD has finished first in Saxony-Anhalt with about 43–44% of the vote, short of an absolute majority. CDU falls sharply, while BSW hints at possible cooperation. The result challenges Germany’s firewall against governing with the far right and raises questions about future coalition dynamics.
Saxony-Anhalt has delivered a landslide for the AfD, with CDU’s share falling to 17% and the far-right party signaling coalition-building. Merz has acknowledged the defeat, pledging to press on with reforms as the party faces a reshaped national landscape.
The Guardian, Business Insider UK, The Guardian and Independent pieces report on Alex Gibney’s four-hour Musk documentary. Ashley St Clair alleges Elon Musk discussed having a child to build a “legion” before civil conflict, with a $40m NDA offer later declined. The film questions Musk’s power, algorithm changes at X, and his political shift. Venice premiere provided a harsh critique of Musk’s influence.
Ukrainian and Russian actions continue to escalate as attacks target cities, infrastructure and civilians. Zelensky has called for a stronger allied response, while multiple regions report casualties and damage amid ongoing hostilities.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won roughly 44% of the vote in Saxony‑Anhalt, taking 39 of 83 seats and falling three short of an outright majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned the result, calling the party's "remigration" plans ethnic cleansing, while international figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk have praised the AfD's performance.
Regional ballots in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have shown heavy losses for Friedrich Merz’s CDU and strong gains for the far-right AfD, two weeks after the AfD routed the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt. Merz has cancelled travel, convened CDU leaders and cleared his diary as party figures warn the results will increase pressure on his leadership.
Regional elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin show the CDU losing ground to the AfD, with Merz under pressure as coalition dynamics shift and economic frustration grows. The AfD leads inMecklenburg-Vorpommern and gains momentum nationwide, while Berlin hints at coalition recalibration.
Voters in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have delivered a severe setback for the CDU and boosted the AfD, while Berlin’s ballot shows Die Linke gaining ground. Merz vows to push ahead with reforms as the far-right gains momentum across Germany.