Stories from Furt · Germany

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.

Authorities in Hessen confirmed the presence of wolf DNA in samples taken following the discovery of nine dead sheep at the Lantal outdoor center. The owner discovered the carcasses during the weekend of April 2.

Authorities reported that 45,000 animals died in one operation in the Oder-Spree district and over 18,000 animals died in the Märkisch-Oderland district. This brings the total number of animal disease outbreaks identified in Brandenburg to 21 this year.

Germany is losing ground in international pharmaceutical competitiveness despite reporting 18.4 billion euros in revenue last year. Fewer new pharmaceutical developments are successfully transitioning from the research phase in Germany.

Prosecutors have requested the arrest of five individuals in the trial of former M4-Ristin Daniela Klett. The charges include attempted murder and robbery. Prosecutors allege the suspects were involved in several robberies. The court proceedings are ongoing.

The head of the German pharmaceutical industry, aged 42, stated that Germany faces intense international competition from the USA and China. He noted that competitors offer less bureaucracy and faster approval processes.

The technology sector has experienced a market downturn, according to Eckhardt Schulte of MindSky Asset Management. The decline in the tech sector is impacting the broader market.

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.

Anke Bosch estimates that between 3.5 and 6 million euros will be provided to the city for specific environmental projects. The funds are earmarked for local transport projects and environmental education within a new urban forest.