Stories from Munich · Germany

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.

The Bavarian Ministry of the Environment published new geo-risk maps in the spring of 2026. The Bavarian Environmental Atlas now provides detailed data for every location regarding geo-hazards and flood risks.

Bavarian Disability Commissioner Holger Kiesel warned that budget savings could prevent people with disabilities from reaching their potential in schools, workplaces, and mobility sectors. The warning follows the release of the current annual report by RIAS Bayern.

A congress meeting in Park is discussing potential changes to laws regarding individual school support for children with special needs. Proposed changes could also impact the ability of people with disabilities to choose their own housing and daily assistance types. Social associations claim these changes contradict the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Germany ratified in 2009. Carolina Trautner, chair of Lebenshilfe Bayern and a CSU state parliament member, warned of cuts during a BR interview. She suggested that if one-on-one care is not strictly necessary, communal solutions or pooling resources could be considered. The discussion focused on whether to purchase services or implement alternative models. A demonstration was held in observance of the European Protest Day for the equality of persons with disabilities.

Munich-based rail operator FlixTrain has filed an objection against route agreements made with competitor Italo. The move follows FlixTrain's planned multi-billion euro investment in new trains for Germany.