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The world’s eyes are on Germany, and more specifically on Munich, which is hosting the Munich Security Conference (MSC).
The annual gathering, held from February 13th to 15th, brings together leading figures from global politics, defence and diplomacy for several days of high‑level discussions on international security.
For residents and visitors to Munich this weekend, the impact is mostly practical. Drivers are being urged not to travel into the city centre, with several roads around the conference venue closed and a heavy police presence throughout the area.
In other words, if you were planning a relaxed weekend drive through central Munich, now might be the time to have a rethink.
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The MSC has form when it comes to uncomfortable moments. Many readers will remember last year’s event, when US Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech that appeared to question – if not outright attack – some of Europe’s most cherished ideas, including attitudes towards immigration, populism and free speech.
Vance is staying at home this year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean controversy is off the agenda. The US delegation is being led instead by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While he’s widely seen as less confrontational, he’s still expected to push hard on issues such as defence spending, transatlantic unity and the war in Ukraine.
Relations have already been strained by the recent political crisis over US demands related to Greenland, and trust between Washington and European capitals remains fragile.
Even without last year’s fireworks, the conference looks set to generate plenty of debate – and perhaps a few awkward moments – before it wraps up on Sunday.
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It’s a jungle out there…
If geopolitics feels a bit heavy, German reality TV offers plenty of distraction. Depending on your interests, there’s Germany’s Next Top Model (still fronted by Heidi Klum after 20 years) or Das Perfekte Dinner (The Perfect Dinner). For more niche tastes, there’s even Beauty and the Nerd.
But towering over them all is Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus! (I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!) on RTL+. The show routinely tops the ratings charts with four to seven million viewers per episode.
The latest season came to an end earlier this week – and the winner turned out to be one of the most controversial in the show’s history.
For anyone unfamiliar with the format, the show strands 10 to 12 celebrities under constant camera surveillance for around two weeks. Viewers vote daily to decide who must face a Bushtucker Trial (Dschungelprüfung), involving tasks such as eating insects or enduring swarms of creepy‑crawlies.
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This year’s season featured a familiar mix of actors, reality stars and celebrity relatives. But the crown eventually went to comfortably the most controversial contestant, musician Gil Ofarim.
Ofarim’s participation sparked backlash even before the show started because of his involvement in the so‑called “Davidstern scandal”, in which he falsely accused a Leipzig hotel employee of antisemitism in 2021 before later admitting the claims were fabricated.
Criticism intensified both during and after the show, with fellow contestants distancing themselves and many viewers accusing the broadcaster of rewarding bad behaviour. Supporters spoke of a “redemption arc”.
Either way, the debate dominated social media and kept ratings high right up until the final episode.
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Helau, Alaaf – and no need to panic
Carnival season is upon us! While the biggest celebrations take place in Germany’s Catholic west and south, particularly in cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn, what newcomers to the country – and especially parents – may not realise is that Carnival in Germany doesn’t stop at the street parades.
Right across the country, many nursery schools and primary schools mark the occasion with a Fasching (Carnival) fancy‑dress day. This often takes place on the Tuesday after Rosenmontag, also known as Shrove Tuesday.
For anyone caught off guard, rest assured that many of the best costumes can be thrown together from things you already have at home.
A splattered old shirt and a paintbrush can turn a child into a painter, for example. A white bedsheet and a yellow paper plate can become a fried egg.
Sports clothes make an instant athlete, while a loud shirt, sunglasses and a bucket are all you need for a holidaymaker.
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