German state facing rising AfD influence as leadership changes unfold
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.