Germany’s federal parliament; elected every four years to mirror the national vote.
Jens Spahn has stepped down as parliamentary group leader of Germany’s CDU/CSU after revelations he and his husband used a US surrogate to become parents. The move follows internal party pressure and raises questions about credibility and surrogacy policy in Germany.
With Spahn out, Friedrich Merz has reshuffled the CDU cabinet to reset the coalition ahead of regional elections, where the AfD is pressing for gains. A new parliamentary group leader is to be elected as Merz weighs the next moves in a shifting political landscape in eastern Germany.
One person has died and several others are injured after a vehicle rammed into crowds at Berlin's Christopher Street Day celebrations near the Brandenburg Gate. Authorities identify Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese heritage, as the suspect with Islamist links. The case has sparked renewed calls for security measures and scrutiny of radicalisation pathways.
Serbia has held a large funeral for Ratko Mladić, the convicted Bosnian war criminal, with soldiers, several government ministers and church leaders taking part. The event has prompted condemnations from the EU, led to Bosnia downgrading diplomatic ties, and caused EU officials to pause visits and reassess Serbia’s accession prospects.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won about 44% in Saxony‑Anhalt, taking 39 of 83 seats and falling three short of a majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has condemned the party's "remigration" plans as ethnic cleansing and has faced domestic backlash after the result; international figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk have praised the AfD.
Germany has announced temporary fuel relief and is considering a windfall tax on oil companies as oil prices top $100 a barrel amid Middle East tensions. The plan includes cuts to energy taxes and a potential cap on gas and diesel prices, with implementation aimed for early 2027 and ongoing EU discussions.
Chancellor Merz has vowed to press ahead with reforms after regional election losses in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, while CDU faces questions over leadership as AfD gains ground. Five more state elections are planned next year.
Germany’s chancellor-designate has secured leadership of the CDU as the EU works to finalize a €2 trillion seven-year budget. Brussels worries about Germany’s path amid signals of turbulence at home, while France faces its own far-right challenge ahead of next year’s elections. Officials say coalition partners will stay together, but Berlin’s stance could shape EU policy on industry and spending in the coming months.
Germany’s ruling coalition is pursuing reforms to pensions, long-term care, and an income-tax cut as leaders from the CDU and SPD meet in Berlin after constructive talks at the chancellery.