Stories from Berlin · Germany

The Federal Statistical Office of Germany reported that private and government consumption expenditure drove economic growth in the first quarter.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the importance of the transatlantic partnership following President Trump's consideration of reducing U.S. troop levels in Germany. Merz stated that a strong NATO remains a top priority while speaking to reporters at a German military base. Germany currently hosts the largest U.S. military presence in Europe.

Data analysis by SWR shows approximately 60,000 suspected illegal price increases occurred during the first three weeks of April in Germany. The source noted that such practices make pricing less transparent for customers.

Authorities are investigating allegations that certain officials received subsidies for their agricultural holdings through illegal means.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is expanding its investigations into corruption, abuse of power, and fraud. The investigation into EU agricultural subsidies involves intercepted phone calls with the state procurement agency OPGP.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is expanding investigations into the suspected misuse of subsidies. The investigation involves officials in Greece and across the European Union regarding subsidy-related crimes.

Approximately 1,200 participants attended the traditional queer feminist 'Take Back the Night' demonstration in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. Labor unions are planned to hold a concluding rally in front of the Red City Hall during the morning hours. Other demonstrations are expected later in the day at Johannaplatz and Anerplatz. Last year, authorities reported around 10,000 people participated in the protests. The deployment follows discussions regarding topics such as machine taxes and universal basic income. A queer-feminist parade titled Take Back the Night took place in Kreuzberg with over 2,000 participants. Additional protests include a techno party in Görlitzer Park against nighttime closures and the 'Revolutionary May 1st' demonstration in Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Approximately 6,000 protesters marched from Schauspielplatz to the Red Rathaus in Berlin.

Donald Trump stated that German Chancellor Merz should dedicate more time to resolving internal German issues rather than the Russia-Ukraine war. The German Defense Minister issued a written response to the proposal. German automakers face upcoming changes next week that may prevent them from increasing inventory in the US. Mercedes currently produces SUVs at its Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama, though other models continue to be exported from Europe to the US. The demand follows upcoming regulations expected to take effect next week that will prevent manufacturers from creating advantages such as increasing inventory in the US. The organization consists of OPEC member states and non-OPEC oil producers including Russia. The move follows recent discussions regarding global supply and market stability.

Deutsche Welle is considering the full abolition of its Greek language programming starting in 2027 due to budget cuts. A member of the council described the removal of the language as an attack during a mobilization involving approximately 300 people.

Co-organizer Thérésia Cronneux stated that the creation and distribution of sexual deepfakes are not currently punishable under law. Cronneux reported filing a complaint in January 2024 regarding such content. The protesters are demanding increased protections for women. Approximately 1,200 participants attended a protest in Berlin demanding increased protection for women. In the Prenzlauer Berg district, thousands of people gathered for a concert by the rap collective BHZ. Police reported around 5,000 people assembled in the Neuendorf neighborhood. Additionally, hundreds of people demonstrated in Cottbus against alleged right-wing extremist crimes. About 1,200 participants attended a protest in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin. Demonstrators gathered in Berlin to protest against Israel's death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners.