Stories from Munich · Germany

The Bavarian Ministry of Education announced that at least two anthems must be played at school graduation ceremonies starting next school year. Required anthems include the Bavarian anthem, the German national anthem, and/or the European anthem. The ministry stated there is no mandatory requirement for students to sing along. Enos has acquired a stake in a Gulf of Mexico oil project, according to a report. While singing along is not mandatory, the ministry stated that lyric sheets will be provided to enable participants to sing along accurately.

Electric vehicle orders in Europe increased by more than 60%, according to capital market strategist Mollner. BMW is currently leading the sector compared to competitors like Mercedes and Volkswagen. The market is becoming more receptive to new electric models, with nearly one in five newly registered cars in the first quarter being pure electric vehicles. Mollner suggests BMW is best positioned to navigate the current market crisis. The company plans to begin production of its next electric model, the i3, in Munich starting in August. Capital market strategist Jürgen Mollner noted that the 'Neue Klasse' generation of electric vehicles represents the company's new focus.

Federal investigators are conducting searches targeting groups suspected of being criminal associations. The investigation aims to clarify the nature of these groups, though no arrests have been made at this time.

The CSU's performance in the Bavarian local elections held in March fell short of expectations. State group leader Hoffmann attributed the results to poor communication. Hoffmann noted that the current mood in the state is modest. The Christian Social Union (CSU) has shown a weaker performance in the Bavarian elections. Political scientist Jasmin Riedel from the Bundeswehr University Munich noted the results pose a challenge for CSU leader Markus Söder. This is particularly as Söder aims to represent Bavaria and the CSU in Berlin.

The AfD party holds 700 local mandates in Bavaria.

Startup Elektron has received 57 million euros in funding. Startup company Elektron has secured an investment of 57 million Euros.

GameStop shares lost approximately 10 percent following the announcement of a takeover bid on Friday. The stock decline occurred as eBay shares saw gains. The bid is reportedly viewed as less attractive, potentially increasing costs if the retailer makes a follow-up offer.

A majority of the population in Munich has voted in favor of hosting an Olympics, according to reports. The decision was confirmed across multiple German news reports. The outcome follows a public vote within the city.

Deutsche Bahn has increased its number of security personnel from 4,500 to 5,000 over the past twelve months. This measure is intended to enhance safety across the rail network. The broadcast did not specify the reasons for this security enhancement or the number of personnel being added. A new e-learning program regarding de-escalation has been introduced for employees. Additionally, regional workshops were conducted to improve local security concepts. Evelin Palla stated that two-person teams were able to de-escalate situations during testing. Regional workshops are being conducted to review local security concepts. The project aims to improve de-escalation, which pilot participant Evelin Paller reported was successful during testing. Ingo Wortmann, President of the Association of German Transport Companies, welcomed the move.

The Bavarian industry association reported today that 200,000 affordable housing units are missing in Bavaria. Approximately 47,000 apartments were completed in 2025, according to data from the State Statistical Office. This figure represents a nearly 14 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Carsten Böne stated that construction costs have risen significantly, increasing by nearly 47 percent since 2019. The German state of Bavaria is facing a shortage of affordable housing, with an estimated deficit of 200,000 homes. This issue, reported up to April 30, is compounded by a decline in insect populations, which further impacts the bats.