Stories from Berlin · Germany

The Bundesrat has approved new rules for credit contracts, which include improving data sets and tightening creditworthiness checks. These regulations apply to short-term small loans up to 200 Euros.

The German legislator is reportedly addressing matters concerning child custody, specifically in cases involving common children.

Verdi head Verneke accused the German federal government of attacking the welfare state. In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Verneke criticized planned cuts to employee rights, continued wage payment in case of illness, and provisions for care and pensions.

A tribute album titled 'We Love Udo' has been released ahead of singer Udo Lindenberg's 80th birthday next week. The album features young and established artists performing his classic songs, described as a dialogue with his work.

German radio stations report that pensioners, unemployed individuals, students, and self-employed persons may not be able to afford a specific payment. This potential inability to pay is described as an 'unpleasant' situation for these demographic groups.

The 'Berlin Autofrei' alliance had until recently at midnight to collect signatures for their objective. The specific goal of the alliance was not detailed in the report.

A reform package in Germany is expected to require more work from medical professionals without additional pay, potentially leading to the cancellation of 900,000 doctor appointments next year. These cancellations could include emergency and specialist appointments. Holger Rostek criticized this outcome, stating the calculation cannot work. This projection, based on calculations by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, is attributed to a planned health reform.

Verena Buchner's debut novel, 'I am cringe, but I am free,' has been released by Ullstein Verlag. The book is available as a hardcover for 23 Euros or as an e-book for 19 Euros.

The Berlin SPD elected a new co-leadership at a state party conference. Stenckrach was elected with 95% of the votes, while Bettina König received nearly 6.8%. Stenckrach is the SPD's top candidate for the House of Representatives election in September. König is a member of the House of Representatives and serves as the health policy spokesperson for the SPD faction. Steffen Krach was elected with 95 percent of the vote. The election was necessary after the previous chair, Böcker Janini, stepped down. He stated intentions to make Berlin cleaner, digitalize the administration, and significantly improve tenant protection against exorbitant rents.

A retrospective program titled '70 Jahre ESC, more than music' is now available in the ARD Mediathek.