Stories from Berlin · Germany

A survey in Berlin and Brandenburg indicates that 88 percent of respondents support requiring civil servants, politicians, and the self-employed to pay into the statutory pension system. The findings suggest a preference for a mix of private and corporate elements alongside the existing state pension. Discussions also include linking the retirement age to the total duration of an individual's working life.

The Volkswagen ID.3 has overtaken the Tesla as the most frequent electric vehicle on German roads. As of January 1, approximately 116,000 VW ID.3 units were registered. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y had just over 106,000 registrations, a difference of nearly 10,000 units. The Tesla Model Y is produced at the company's plant in Grünheide, Brandenburg. The shift indicates Volkswagen's rising market position in the German electric vehicle sector. While Tesla Model Y registrations have increased since the start of the year, the ID.3 currently holds the top position. Since January 1, approximately 116,000 VW ID.3 vehicles have been registered in Germany. Police also reportedly seized various vehicles, including many Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This shift marks a change in the leading electric vehicle model in the country. Volkswagen remains the leading automotive brand in Germany.

Heilmann, a former CDU member and former Berlin Justice Senator, is expected to take over the position of Berlin Culture Senator. The appointment follows the resignation of former Culture Senator Sarah Wedel-Wolzen, who stepped down following a funding scandal involving the Court of Auditors. Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner has been searching for a successor since Friday. The source described him as an experienced individual within the CDU political circle. Transport Senator Bonde stated to RBB 24 Info-Radio that Heilmann's existing knowledge of the administration is an advantage. The news was reported by Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg and Tagesspiegel. The 61-year-old CDU member previously served as Justice Senator from 2012 to 2016 in a red-black coalition. He faces the task of stabilizing the city's currently unsettled cultural scene.

A travel bus burned out in the Adlershof district of Berlin. The incident occurred between Seegraben and Klinikerweg. Local authorities have closed the area to traffic.

German actress, singer, and dancer Evelyn Kühnike died 25 years ago today. During World War II, she performed Schlager music for German fronts. She survived due to supporters within the Wehrmacht. The 1950s marked her peak period for hit songs and film appearances before she later faced a period of obscurity. She later performed in Berlin scene venues alongside Brigitte Mira and Helen Vieter. Kühnike died of lung cancer on April 28, 2001, at the age of 79. The commemoration highlighted the singer's history, including her connection to Frank Sinatra in Paris. The broadcast noted her reputation for a colorful personal life and her status as a stage icon. The Spiegel reported her death with the headline 'Germany's hottest grandma is dead'. She performed alongside artists such as Brigitte Mira and Helen Vita. The source noted her rediscovery by a scandal filmmaker in the 1970s.

A German politician expressed interest in revisiting the topic of mandatory military service following the suspension of conscription. Mertens said that establishing these equal standards is a signal to society. The discussion said the need for consensus rather than reducing the issue to a permanent contractual requirement. The Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Tasks reported approximately 2,700 applications for conscientious objection to military service in the first quarter of this year. This figure is nearly equal to the total number of applications recorded for the entire year of 2024. The increase is attributed to global conflicts and new military service regulations. Social Democrat Neuchl stated that now is the appropriate time for a new attempt to implement 'only yes means yes' consent laws in Germany.

Economic Minister Martina Klement held a two-hour meeting with various chambers of crafts to discuss lowering energy prices and increasing end-product localization. Internal party discussions are also reportedly addressing communication strategies and the party's relationship with the federal government. Matthias Mittel noted that the proposal includes support for private and occupational pension schemes alongside strengthening statutory pension insurance. The Union and SPD are expected to work together on these measures, though the Chancellor's communication has faced criticism for being too focused on the SPD and insufficient regarding the Union. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is increasing its focus on gas.

Germany is discussing a potential agreement with the Pentagon regarding the stationing of missiles in Germany. These weapons, which have a range reaching into Russia, are intended to strengthen Germany's deterrence capabilities. The source noted that the Pentagon may seek to overturn or modify existing arrangements. Germans are concerned that the United States may not allow Germany to become a base for air defense missiles. This move is intended to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that he does not believe the United States can end the war in Iran quickly. The US President expressed dissatisfaction with the German Chancellor on Thursday regarding the Iran dossier. The President urged the Chancellor to focus on ending the war in Ukraine instead of interfering in Iran-related matters. Tensions between the two nations have increased following criticisms of US strategy in Iran by Friedrich Merz. The US leader also indicated he is considering a reduction of American military forces in Germany. German Chancellor Frederick Merz stated that Germany maintains sufficient supplies of oil and gas. The statement comes amid ongoing maritime tensions in the region. German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed doubt regarding the US's ability to quickly end the war in Iran, stating that the US military action lacked a clear strategy.

A working group including the Chancellery and various ministries has drafted an internal paper regarding potential reductions in school assistance services. The proposal suggests moving from one assistant per child to potentially one per class to achieve billions in annual savings. The Parity Welfare Association warns these cuts could limit participation for children with disabilities. Negotiations are ongoing with results expected by summer. The German federal government does not intend to implement general cuts to sickness benefits, according to a savings draft from Minister Nina Warken. The draft, obtained by Reuters, indicates that sickness benefits would only be reduced if an employment relationship ends during the benefit period. The proposal is part of a broader savings plan for statutory health insurance funds.