Stories from Leipzig · Germany

The Grasimuseum für angewandte Kunst in Leipzig will present a new exhibition starting in May. The exhibition features textiles from 12 countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and Ecuador. It is described as the first major overview of its kind in Europe.

Lawyer Julius Bockhold is representing Afghans facing deportation who must appear before an Afghan delegation to verify their identities. This delegation consists of Taliban diplomats who were granted diplomatic accreditation in Germany during the summer.

A regulation enacted by the German Federal Ministry of Social Affairs requires trainers of assistance dogs to hold a specific certification. However, this certification is currently not being issued, preventing the testing of assistance dogs for several years. The lack of certification processes is reportedly causing hardship for assistance dog teams. Federal government data from last year shows approximately 1,700 recognized assistance dogs exist in the country. These animals support individuals with mobility impairments and psychosocial disabilities.

Carsharing provider Patrick Schöne announced the company is converting into a cooperative to protect against short-term yield targets and takeovers. The company currently serves approximately 100,000 private and business customers in Central Germany. Under the new structure, users will receive voting rights and discounted rates. Shares in the company are available for purchase starting today for 300 euros per share. The carsharing service Teilauto in Leipzig is undergoing a fundamental structural change. It is transitioning from a GmbH to a cooperative, allowing users to become members.

Police made at least 57 arrests during a protest in Leipzig targeting a taxi stand. The square where the protest occurred has been the site of previous government-critical demonstrations.

The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs is searching for an independent agency to certify dog schools, such as the one run by Susan Rieder. Until a new body is established, the ministry intends to return to previous regulations as a transitional measure.

Average prices for E10 super gasoline in Germany have fallen below the 2 euro per liter threshold, according to the ADAC. Fuel prices in central Germany are also following this downward trend.

Approximately 100 drawings by Wolfgang Mattheuer are now on display at the Kunsthalle. One featured piece, titled Haus, depicts a residential building from his home region of Vogtland.

Youth hostels in Saxony are experiencing a decrease in overnight stays by families. Uwe Brösel of the DIJTAR state association attributed the decline to the current economic situation and the financial constraints facing families.

The Leipzig Appeal, an initiative aimed at ensuring free and public opinion formation, is now open for further organizations to sign. The appeal references historical experiences from the National Socialist era and the GDR dictatorship.