Muslims mull mosque debate after Swiss vote
The Swiss vote to forbid the construction of mosques with minarets has sparked calls for a similar ban in Germany. Robert Rigney samples the mood of the country’s Muslim community.
Day: December 16, 2009
Berlin calls Iran’s missile test ‘alarming’
The German government said Wednesday that Iran's medium-range missile test was "alarming" and did little to rebuild the confidence of the international community over its controversial nuclear programme.
Germans back tax on bankers’ bonuses
A majority of Germans support a special tax on the bonuses earned by bankers in the wake of the global financial crisis, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
Severed pig’s ear sent to Muslim organisation
A package with a severed pig’s ear was delivered to a Muslim organisation in Cologne on Wednesday by unknown perpetrators, the group’s leader said.
Schäuble defends record new debt in 2010 budget
Following approval of Germany's 2010 budget by the cabinet on Wednesday, Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble defended the decision to take on record new debt next year.
‘Christmas Academy’ teaches Germans yule rules
Parents and children in the southwest German city of Trier are taking part in a “Christmas Academy” to perfect their skills at singing carols, reading aloud and making a good impression at the yuletide feast.
Lower Saxony drivers at highest risk for tree collisions
Drivers in the German state of Lower Saxony have the highest risk of having a car accident involving a tree, according to a study released on Wednesday.
Full-time employment positions declining
The number of Germans able to find full-time jobs subject to social insurance contributions from employers is on the decline, daily Frankfurter Rundschau reported on Wednesday.
Police union moots European database for violent protesters
A German police union on Wednesday called for the creation of a European database of violent demonstrators following incidents on the fringes of the UN global warming talks.
Ministry withheld Kunduz reports from Merkel
Chancellor Angela Merkel's office complained early on that it was not sufficiently informed by the Defence Ministry in the controversial September bombardment that killed up to 142 people in Afghanistan, daily Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Wednesday.