Stories from Berlin · Germany

German citizens are reportedly using carts filled with money to buy bread amid hyperinflation. The currency has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar, with one dollar equivalent to 1.8 million units of the local currency.

Inflation in Germany rose to 2.9 percent in April, according to preliminary figures from the Federal Statistical Office. Inflation is dampening consumer sentiment among shoppers. The increase is attributed to high kerosene costs faced by German airlines. Germans are carrying large amounts of cash to buy basic goods due to fears of hyperinflation. Prices have risen by 53%, meaning people can now only afford to buy five items for the same amount they previously bought ten. Life may appear to be returning to normal with cafes and malls open, but this is a facade hiding a price war. The cost of sending a message is 3 zloty and 69 groszy. The figures were released by the national statistics office. Many experts considered this growth a success, as they had expected less. The federal government forecasts only half a percent growth for the entire year.

The chairman of German media giant Axel Springer reportedly demanded employees support Israel or resign. A leaked audio recording captured the chairman stating that employees who do not support Israel can resign. This statement caused an uproar within the newsroom.

The German coalition government has reached an agreement on the heating law, marking a step in addressing a backlog of reforms. The law permits the continued use of oil and gas heating systems, though landlords may face certain obligations. This agreement is considered the first in a series of planned comprehensive reforms. Germany's heating law has been finalized, allowing gas and oil heaters to remain in use. Landlords may have specific obligations under the new regulations. Chancellor's Office Chief Frey aims to relieve as many taxpayers as possible with the reform and opposes designing it as pure redistribution. Violetta Bock of The Left party finds this insufficient.

Soviet troops are engaged in brutal close-quarters combat, employing tactics learned from Stalingrad. They plan to encircle German forces and cut off supply lines.

Germany recorded the highest military spending among 22 member states, with an increase of 24% on an annual basis, reaching 114 billion dollars in 2025. This spending met the threshold of at least 2% of GDP. Germany has increased investments in defense and is providing bases to the United States for operations against Iran. Analysts noted that even with defense spending rising to 5% of GDP, allies require more time for these investments to translate into actual military capabilities. The decision by Donald Trump to deploy troops has faced criticism from Democratic leaders and some Republican politicians. The report noted that the deployment of troops is considered premature by some observers. This follows a blocked proposal to reduce the US military contingent in Germany by 12,000 personnel, which was later canceled by Joe Biden.

The US Defence Secretary has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany. This decision follows heightened tensions between Trump and Merz, who had criticized the conflict. The war in Iran is reportedly reaching high levels of disapproval. The conflict's disapproval levels are reportedly similar to those during the Iraq and Vietnam wars. The Autobahn 14 is closed between Nöbeljün and Halle Troter until late, due to an incident. The background to this is a dispute with Chancellor Merz, which includes the lack of something. This decision is being made amidst a war that is profoundly unpopular, potentially creating a political surprise for members of Congress, particularly on the Republican side, if a vote is forced. The German automotive industry criticized the US tariffs, calling President Trump's move a severe burden on transatlantic relations.

Germany exported over 146 billion euros to the United States, with vehicles and auto parts comprising nearly one-fifth of these exports. Trump has accused German automakers of deceiving Americans. This decision comes amidst ongoing trade discussions. The US will pull 5,000 troops out of Germany after its leader claimed Iran was humiliating America during peace talks. Fears of neo-Nazism and extremist parties are rising in Germany, mirroring the political climate of 70-80 years ago. There are concerns that the standard of living has fallen significantly, leading to public complaints. This situation is seen as a continuation of the 'spirit of the times' that is currently affecting Germany. German Chancellor Merz stated that Iran is humiliating the US in negotiations to end the war.

The May Day demonstration in Berlin began with an anti-militarist focus, under the slogan 'War Against War'.

A statue, estimated to be worth around 700 Swiss francs, vanished after a flight to Germany. The owner stated the statue was transported in a cardboard box in the cargo hold. The director has flown with the statue at least a dozen times previously.