Germany’s eastern state in focus as AfD gains ground and regional leadership shifts.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
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.
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.
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.
Merkel-era pressures persist as Conservative leader Friedrich Merz reshuffles his cabinet amid surging AfD support in eastern Germany. Internal party realignments aim to stabilize governing coalition and blunt far-right momentum ahead of regional elections.
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.
Polls have shown the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) leading in Saxony‑Anhalt ahead of the Sept. 6 state election, putting the party within reach of an outright majority. The AfD has proposed nationalist education and culture policies drafted by Hans‑Thomas Tillschneider and is campaigning on deportations and flag‑raising measures that would reshape regional schooling and commemoration.
The AfD is polling ahead in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of state elections on 6 September, arguing for a patriotic cultural policy and a shift in how German history is taught. The party has pledged to change curricula, raise the flag in schools, and preserve war memorials. Critics warn of risks to liberal democracy and Bauhaus heritage.