Gabriel hails new global energy agency
Germany said on Wednesday it expected more than 100 countries to attend a major conference in Bonn next Monday to establish a new international agency promoting renewable energy.
Day: January 21, 2009
Introducing…Dieter Bohlen
Introducing…is The Local's guide to the fabulous world of b-list German celebrity. With the new season of Germany’s version of Pop Idol starting on Wednesday night, there’s no better Teutonic star to feature first than music producer Dieter Bohlen.
Deutsche Bahn spied on its own managers
Deutsche Bahn representatives are likely to be called before a parliamentary committee to explain to MPs why it was spying on more than 1,000 of its workers, including much of the top management.
Berlin expecting worst post-war recession
Berlin forecast on Wednesday that Germany will suffer its deepest post-war recession this year just as Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet chewed over a historic rescue package aimed at boosting the economy.
Pensioner who pushed teen into Munich metro train jailed
A 70-year-old man who pushed a 13-year-old girl into a travelling underground train in Munich has been sentenced to more than two years in prison for aggravated battery.
Germany welcomes first step to close Guantanamo Bay prison
Germany on Wednesday hailed Barack Obama's decision to kick off his presidency by taking the first step to closing the notorious terrorist prison at Guantanamo Bay, but politicians in Berlin were still unable to agree on whether to accept inmates.
Herbal incense drug Spice banned
The herbal incense mixture Spice, which has become a new favourite smoking drug for young Germans looking for a legal high, will be banned this week, the government announced on Wednesday.
Illusionist nearly drowns in failed trick on Uri Geller show
A wannabe illusionist nearly drowned live on television on Tuesday night after trying to win the “The next Uri Geller” show.
Müntefering: Obama will be ‘demanding’
Franz Müntefering, head of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), said on Tuesday new US President Barack Obama will likely place difficult demands on America’s partners in Germany and Europe.
HRE bank gets €12 bln more in guarantees
The German state will provide another €12 billion ($15 billion) in guarantees to struggling Hypo Real Estate bank, bringing the total to €42 billion, HRE announced late Tuesday evening.
Brandenburg woman missing for 12 years found in Swiss woods
A woman who went missing from her home in the eastern German state of Brandenburg 12 years ago has been found living in the woods near the Swiss capital Bern.
Ex-White House chef served double portions to Helmut Kohl
Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl has never been known for being shy at meal time, but now ex-White House chef Walter Scheib has told Gala magazine he was fed double portions to keep him happy while visiting Washington.