Stories from Potsdam · Germany

The regional control center reported today that the Jüdabock species is spreading in southwestern Brandenburg. Regulations state that if a raccoon is caught, it cannot be re-released into another enclosure and must be hunted. An anecdote described a raccoon entering a home through a cat flap and causing disruption in the kitchen.

The AfD party is demanding that the Brandenburg state government engage in discussions with Russia regarding the PCK refinery. The specific nature of the engagement was not detailed. This call focuses on securing the refinery's operations.

The Brandenburg Association of Visual Artists, in collaboration with the state's cultural administrations, is hosting an event where 730 art studios across Brandenburg will be open to the public.

A test by the Leibniz Institute revealed that hedgehog dams are being damaged by the blades of robotic lawnmowers in parts of Brandenburg. The mowers are designed to detect objects over 10 cm using built-in cameras but fail to recognize anything below that height.

Otmar Edenhofer, chief economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, criticized fuel tax cuts during the first days of May. He stated the measure provides only short-term relief for drivers. Edenhofer warned that a price spiral for oil and gas will follow due to high demand. He noted that price increases will benefit foreign exporters rather than local drivers and residents. He noted that the cuts will not assist those needing to heat homes or drive long-term. Climate economist Ottmar Edenhofer from the Potsdam Institute expressed opposition to the fuel tax discount. Greenpeace mobility expert Marissa Reiserer described the fuel price brake as climatically incorrect and socially unbalanced. Reiserer noted that the policy primarily benefits commuters with large combustion engine vehicles rather than supporting public transport or electric mobility.

Brandenburg Economic Minister Martina Clement stated the Drischbar pipeline remains open as of Thursday. However, officials expect Russia to follow through on its announcement to shut off gas supplies on Friday.

Brandenburg plans to reject the proposed 1,000 Euro tax-free crisis relief premium in the Bundesrat. Finance Minister Keller stated to RBB that the measure has failed. The decision follows a failed attempt to implement the measure.

Police informed Bütner, the Brandenburg commissioner for combating antisemitism, that suspicion of an arson attack on his property has shifted toward two of his known associates. The incident involved an arson attack on Bütner's property.

Brandenburg craft chambers are proposing a price adjustment clause to address rising material and energy costs. The clause would allow increased costs incurred between contract award and completion to be passed to the client. Economic Minister Martina Klement held a two-hour meeting with the chambers to discuss the situation. Klement noted the proposals, though the source stated lowering energy prices is outside her competence. The situation regarding energy prices remains highly tense, according to the report.

The heads of three craft chambers in Brandenburg met with the new Economics Minister Martina Klement to discuss the severe economic situation facing local craftsmanship. Thorsten Zydow reported during a meeting of chambers of commerce that revenues and customer orders are frequently decreasing. More than half of the craft businesses in the German state of Brandenburg will require new leadership within the next ten years. Representatives from the chambers of commerce are seeking assistance from state politicians to address this issue. They stated that without support, the region faces potential losses in growth and quality of life. Klement noted during a two-hour discussion that energy prices must be lowered as quickly as possible to provide relief. Handwerkskammern representatives are calling for state political assistance to address this issue.