Stories from Stuttgart · Germany

Municipalities in Baden-Württemberg are demanding increased state funding to address gaps in childcare, hospital financing, and rail infrastructure.

A data analysis by SWR indicates approximately 60,000 suspected illegal fuel price increases occurred across Germany during the first three weeks of April. No specific number of stations or total price discrepancy was provided in the report. Federal Justice Minister Hubig noted that tenants will eventually bear half of the CO2 price costs. Research by SWR revealed approximately 60,000 suspected illegal price increases for fuel in Germany. The research found 60,000 instances where prices were increased at other times or more frequently than permitted since the ban began at the start of the month. This non-compliance has contributed to an increase in average fuel prices. The report notes that the current practice of adjusting prices is illogical and warrants criticism. Many stations are failing to adhere to the midday rule.

Germany has proposed a reform to prevent unnecessary medical operations through mandatory second opinions. The plan aims to control rising fees for doctors and physicians.

Baden-Wuerttemberg President Kretschmann is stepping down after 15 years in office. The announcement was made at the New Palace in Stuttgart. The departure marks the end of an era for the state's leadership. He was Germany's first Green Party head of government and the country's longest-serving state leader. Former President Joachim Gauck delivered a laudatory speech praising Kretschmann's political work. Winfried Kretschmann was formally bid farewell today as he concludes his tenure as Minister President of Baden-Württemberg. He is retiring from politics entirely after serving in the role for 15 years. Winfried Kretschmann, the 77-year-old Minister President, concluded his 15-year tenure in a ceremony featuring a serenade by the Heeresmusik Ulm. Kretschmann expressed emotion during the event and noted he could not definitively say he would leave without a successor.

The farewell ceremony took place at the New Palace in Stuttgart. On his departure day, there was general consensus that Ministerpräsident Kretschmann changed Baden-Württemberg over the last 15 years. Science Minister Petra Olschowski participated in the ceremony. The Heeresmusikkorps Ulm traveled to a ceremony in Stuttgart to honor the outgoing Ministerpräsident. The Heeresmusikkorps Ulm attended the ceremony in Stuttgart, which also featured Swan Lake ballet and jazz by Dave Brubek. Minister President Winfried Kretschmann of Baden-Württemberg stepped down from office today. A farewell ceremony was held at the Neues Schloss in Stuttgart. Jan Müste-Mir, also from the Green Party, is expected to be elected by the Landtag on May 13. Michael Kretschmann stated that the upcoming double budget is necessary for essential societal functions to continue.

The German cabinet approved a plan for new high-voltage direct current lines, specifically targeting the Southwestlink project. The new power lines will be built on large overhead pylons rather than underground, as originally planned.

Mercedes-Benz sales fell by 6 percent during the first three months of the current year. Wilhelm noted that order books remain well-filled, providing a foundation for momentum in the second half of the year. Mercedes-Benz reported a 17 percent decrease in profit before interest and taxes for the first quarter compared to the previous year. The Stuttgart-based automaker's profit fell to 1.9 billion euros. Revenue for the company also declined by 5 percent to 31.6 billion euros. The report follows a strong start to the year for Adidas, which maintains an optimistic outlook. Mercedes-Benz is struggling with weak sales figures, particularly in China where sales dropped by more than 25 percent at the start of the year. Increased US tariffs are also placing a burden on the manufacturer. The company aims to overcome this downturn with new vehicle releases by 2027.

The Baden-Württemberg state parliament is meeting this week to decide on changes to investigation committee procedures. The proposed changes would require a higher number of votes to initiate investigations.

A man suspected of being part of a sabotage and espionage group in Germany is scheduled for a detention hearing today.

Half of 100 surveyed German mayors identified costs as a primary challenge for municipal energy transitions. One third of mayors cited bureaucratic hurdles and nature conservation requirements as obstacles. Local politicians are seeking subsidies and refinancing to address these issues. The survey indicates that large-scale heat pumps are currently only available to 1% of the municipalities surveyed. A survey of 600 mayors across German municipalities examined local energy and infrastructure transitions. The survey also noted that only 3% of respondents reported progress in building district heating and large-scale heat pumps. The findings were released by the Initiative Kommunales Deutschland.