CDU Youth in NRW Urges Decisive Action on KO Drops Ahead of Carnival Peak
Just before the street carnival reaches its peak, the CDU youth wing in North Rhine‑Westphalia is demanding a stronger stance on the use of knockout drops. Kevin Gniosdorz, chairman of the Junge Union regional committee, told the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition) that “the deployment of knockout drops is a particularly insidious form of targeted violence…
February 14, 2026
Verdi Calls Warning Strike at Cinestar and UCI During Berlinale Weekend
The trade union Verdi has called a warning strike for employees of cinema chains Cinestar and UCI during the Berlinale weekend. The work stoppage will take place at Cinestar’s CUBIX cinema on Alexanderplatz, the union announced on Friday. “We use the warning strike to make a visible statement: glamorous film festivals and precarious working conditions do not…
February 14, 2026
Warken Urges CDU to Boost Gender Equality in Party Committees and Elections
Nina Warken, the chair of the CDU’s Frauen‑Union, called on the party to give women equal consideration in committees and in elections. She said that female representation should become a joint priority and “must be reflected more strongly in the future”. In preparation for the federal party convention, Warken announced that the Frauen‑Union will approach…
February 14, 2026
German Justice Minister Declares No Authority Over Epstein Files Amid International Investigation
Looking at the international investigations that have followed the release of the documents on the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) initially sees no direct responsibility for her ministry.“In the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition) she said, “The revelations about Epstein and his network are shocking day…
February 14, 2026
Hubig Stands Against Lowering Criminal Age Amid Spike in Teen Violence
In the debate about the rising extreme violence among children and adolescents, Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has argued against lowering the age of criminal responsibility. She cited a murder in Dormagen in which a 14‑year‑old was allegedly stabbed to death by a 12‑year‑old. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday, Hubig said, “It is…
February 14, 2026
Saxony‑Anhalt Premier Urges Ukrainian Men to Leave Germany for Military Duty
The Minister President of Saxony‑Anhalt, Sven Schulze of the CDU, has called for Ukrainian men to be conscripted into service in their own country and for working‑age Ukrainians to leave the Federal Republic to do so. Schulze told the German newspaper “Die Welt” that Germany – and by extension Saxony‑Anhalt – will continue to support Ukraine so that…
February 14, 2026
Warken Open To Expanding Health Insurance Contributions To Cover Pensions Rents And Capital Gains With Savings Package
Bundesgesundheitsministerin Nina Warken (CDU) said she does not oppose the SPD’s proposal to include pensions, rent and capital gains in the calculation of health‑insurance contributions, provided it comes as part of a comprehensive savings package. When she spoke to “Welt am Sonntag” she emphasized that simply expanding the revenue side is not enough.…
February 14, 2026
Germany’s Health Minister Readies System for War Scenarios
German Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) said the country is not yet ready for war‑time health emergencies. She told the weekly ”Welt am Sonntag” that the priority is to secure medical care for the public while also treating injured soldiers and NATO partners. To that end, she stresses the need for clear responsibilities, functional communication channels,…
February 14, 2026
German Citizen Benefit Spending Jumps to 57.1 Billion Euros in 2024
In 2024, total payments from the federal government, states and municipalities toward the Bürgergeld rose to €57.1 billion, according to new figures cited by the “Bild” (Saturday edition) from the Federal Employment Agency. That means each of the roughly 2.9 million households receiving the benefit received an average of €19,475 for the year – about €1,623…
February 14, 2026
Environment Minister Calls German Car Makers to Source More Steel From Germany
Bundesumweltminister Carsten Schneider, a member of the SPD, urged German automakers to source more raw materials within the country. “We can already expect a bit more site‑patriotism from the companies” Schneider told the “Frankfurter Rundschau”. He stressed that Germany still needs a fully functioning domestic steel industry to remain independent…
February 14, 2026
County Councils Push Employment Mandate for Basic Income Beneficiaries
In the debate about employing Bürgergeld recipients, the German County Council (DLT) signals support for a compulsory work clause. In the Saturday issue of “Bild”, DLT President Achim Brötel directly disputed federal Labour Minister Bärbel Bas’s claim that such a requirement would be “too expensive” and “too bureaucratic”. Brötel…
February 14, 2026
Berlinale Director Criticizes US Vice President Vance And Elon Musk Over Their Take On Freedom Of Speech
Tricia Tuttle, the director of the Berlinale, criticized U.S. Vice‑President J.D. Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk for their handling of free‑speech issues. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, she emphasized that the free exchange of ideas is essential and that freedom of expression must be defended. Tuttle said a boundary exists only when speech becomes…
