Stories from Erfurt · Germany

The works council of the Zalando logistics center in Erfurt met with the group's executive board. Works council head Toni Krause stated that 1,200 postcards containing employee concerns and demands were handed to the leadership.

Russia's presidential press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, stated on April 3rd that if Ukraine is unwilling to reach an agreement, Russia will compel them through a special military operation. Russian President Putin is expected to deliver a speech during the Victory Day parade.

The Thuringian State Investment Program for municipalities has received interest, according to Matthias Wierlacher, CEO of Thuringian Aufbaubank. Wierlacher stated that 80 inquiries have been received and 60 municipalities have already submitted concrete applications. Approximately 30 million euros have been spent through the program so far. Thuringian Finance Minister Katja Wolf also commented on the program's progress. The KommunalInvest program has received 80 inquiries to date.

Germany's deportation detention facility in Thuringia, operational for six months, has ten places, with six currently occupied and three more reserved. The facility has housed 81 men facing deportation. The expansion is planned by the end of 2026, with demand for detention spots coming from outside Thuringia and from federal police. Germany is working to strengthen its defense capabilities by expanding its armed forces. Support for the military is increasing, with a shift in focus from the current army. The expansion is intended to take place within the month of May.

The hunt for wolves will remain banned in Thuringia for the foreseeable future. The Ministry of Environment plans to present the ordinance to the state parliament this year. The wolf population in the state must reach a favorable conservation status, meaning it is viable with no decrease in its distribution area or available habitat. Thuringia currently estimates around 30 wolves in six territories, shared with Brandenburg. In Thuringia, Germany, a specific exception allows for the targeted removal of a wolf at any time if it is deemed a 'problem wolf'. Environmental Minister Thilo Kummer of the BSH stated that two criteria define a problem wolf: one is if the wolf exhibits very unusual behavior towards humans, approaching them closely. One criterion is a wolf showing very noticeable behavior towards people.

The Erfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce stated the pact provides sales opportunities for companies in Thuringia trading with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, or Paraguay. In Rio Grande do Sul, 1,500 products will be exempt from duties until the full implementation of the treaty, which is scheduled over 15 years. These products include footwear parts, leather, bovine skins, and piston engine parts. The Federation of Industries of the State estimates that sales will grow by more than $800 million. Currently, 43% of the state's exports go to Europe, totaling $1.2 billion annually. Customs rates for these goods will decrease from 35% to 0%. According to Lange, controls will be tightened to ensure South American states adhere to agreed standards. No specific economic impact figures were provided in the report. In exchange, the EU committed to abolishing tariffs on certain US industrial goods.

Christian Ilgen is set to become the new interim director of the Erfurt Theater. The decision follows approval from the main committee and the works committee. A final decision by the city council is scheduled for May 20. Ilgen currently serves as the artistic operations director at the Staatstheater Cottbus. Ilgen is expected to lead the institution for a period of two years. He grew up in Dresden and studied law. He is expected to lead the theater through its current crisis over the next two years. The theater has been managed by interim directors following allegations of sexual assault and abuse of power two years ago. Ilgen follows interim director Malta Wasem, who managed the theater following the departure of long-term director Guy Monterwon. Ilgen stated he intends to first assess the current mood among the theater staff.

The former Erfurt Schauspielhaus is being converted into a new cultural quarter covering 4,500 square meters. The site has remained vacant for 10 years. The project is managed by a cooperative with approximately 1,000 members and an association of about 100 people.

The Thuringian Constitutional Court rejected an election challenge filed by the Werteunion regarding the 2024 state election. The highest court in the state ruled that the election remains valid. The decision follows a formal complaint filed by the Werteunion group.

Three chambers of industry and commerce in Thuringia have proposed a 13-point economic plan to strengthen the regional economy. The AfD political party has welcomed the proposals. Thuringia's Economy Minister Colette Bossion described the plan as an impulse. Labor unions have described the proposal as having both positive elements and drawbacks. Thuringia is expected to apply pressure at the federal level to address these costs. The proposal includes ideas such as a more flexible shop opening law and the abolition of regional holidays like World Children's Day. Other points include the suspension or adjustment of the Thuringian Education Leave Act and new rules for continued wage payment during illness. The plan also suggests freezing the minimum wage for clinics.