Friday's top story: Pay rise freeze for German MPs gains cross-party support
A planned increase in German MPs’ salaries is set to be suspended, with broad political backing for a one-off pay freeze in response to economic pressures.
During an initial debate in the Bundestag, the governing coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD signalled its intention to cancel the automatic rise scheduled for July, which would have added nearly €500 per month to lawmakers’ pay. The proposal also received support from opposition parties, including the Greens, the Left and the far-right AfD.
Green party legal affairs spokesman Helge Limburg described the move as the “right signal in these difficult times”.
Since 2014, MPs’ salaries have been linked to Germany’s nominal wage index, meaning they typically rise each year in line with earnings. However, parliament must approve the system at the start of each legislative term.
A final vote on suspending this year’s increase is expected later this month.
READ ALSO: How much do members of Germany's Bundestag really earn?
Majority in Germany back stricter rules on e‑scooters
A majority of people in Germany favour tougher regulations on e‑scooters, according to a new survey highlighting growing concerns over safety and liability.
The poll, conducted by YouGov for the social welfare association VdK, found that 57 percent of respondents support stricter rules governing the use of electric scooters. A further 18 percent said they would back an outright ban.
Among those in favour of reform, 36 percent called for moderately tighter measures such as designated parking zones, while 21 percent supported significantly stricter controls. The survey questioned more than 2,200 adults earlier this year.
The VdK said the findings represented a clear call for political action, citing frequent complaints from accident victims who struggle to secure compensation. Under current rules, injured parties often must prove fault on the part of the rider.
READ ALSO: E-scooter accidents and fatalities in Germany at record highs
World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Germany ranked 10th
The start of the World Cup is dominating headlines around the globe after the tournament finally got under way last night.
Hosts Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a dramatic opening match in Mexico City, with the game overshadowed by an unprecedented three red cards handed out by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez sealed the win, but controversy over officiating and a tense atmosphere both on and off the pitch drew as much attention as the result itself.
Germany enter the competition ranked 10th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, having edged closer to ninth-placed Belgium after a run of nine consecutive wins.
World champions Argentina top the rankings, followed by Spain and France, as Germany prepare to begin their campaign against Curaçao on Sunday.
READ ALSO: How to watch the 2026 football World Cup from Germany
ECB makes first rate hike since 2023 to tame Iran war inflation
The European Central Bank on Thursday raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2023 as the Middle East war stokes inflation, despite concerns the move could hit the struggling eurozone economy.
The ECB lifted its deposit rate a quarter point to 2.25 percent, becoming the first major central bank to tighten monetary policy in response to the energy shock unleashed by the conflict.
Eurozone inflation has been accelerating since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran, jumping to 3.2 percent in May, above the ECB's two-percent target.
Announcing the rate increase, the ECB said "the war in the Middle East is generating inflation pressures".
"The outlook remains uncertain, with upside risks for inflation and downside risks for economic growth," it said in a statement.
The ECB also raised its inflation forecast for this year to three percent, up from a previous estimate of 2.6 percent in March.
And the central bank cut its eurozone growth projection for this year to 0.8 percent from 0.9 percent.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil and gas transit route, remains almost totally closed, while a ceasefire in the three-month-old war is under pressure after the United States launched new strikes and Tehran responded with attacks in the region.
READ ALSO: Germany's fuel discount will not be extended beyond end of June
Germany plans nationwide drone defence network to counter rising threats
German Air Traffic Control (DFS) is planning a nationwide drone defence system in response to growing concerns over attacks on critical infrastructure, according to reports.
The proposed network, developed with defence firm Hensoldt and telecoms provider Deutsche Telekom, would use artificial intelligence to integrate data from mobile networks and surveillance systems at key sites such as airports, power stations and military facilities. The aim is to create a real-time national picture of drone activity to support both civilian and military responses.
DFS chief executive Arndt Schoenemann warned that recent drone incidents, including disruptions at airports, could mark the “beginning of hybrid warfare”. He argued that current efforts are hindered by fragmented responsibilities across federal and regional authorities.
Industry leaders say Germany has the technical capabilities required but lacks a coordinated system. The planned platform would seek to link existing detection and defence technologies, enabling faster identification and response to potential threats.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen national security.
With reporting by AFP and DPA.
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