Germany's centre-right party, led by Friedrich Merz
A cross-section of recent reports shows infrastructure strains—from crumbling bridges in New York to parking crackdowns in Tahoe and traffic-adaptation debates in Berlin—driving policy responses and public safety concerns around the world.
Germany's government has unveiled a broad package of reforms, including €10 billion in annual tax relief for lower-income earners, pension overhauls, tighter sick-leave rules, and reduced bureaucracy. The plan, financed by raising the top tax rate for high earners, aims to boost growth and competitiveness but faces mixed reactions from unions and business groups as it seeks Bundestag and Bundesrat approval.
German CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn has resigned after revealing he and his husband welcomed a child via a surrogate abroad. The move comes amid ongoing debate over Germany’s surrogacy ban and questions about political credibility.