Politics
All the latest politics news and essential information from Germany.
'Major deportation offensive': What Bavaria's conservatives want for Germany in 2026
More deportations, tighter immigration rules and the return of nuclear energy – Germany's CSU party has some dramatic policy goals in mind for the coming year that could concern some of the country's foreign residents.
‘A betrayal of voters’: Brandenburg state government collapses
The ruling coalition in Germany's eastern state of Brandenburg lost its majority on Tuesday, sparking calls from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) for new elections.
Just how vulnerable is Germany’s infrastructure to attacks and sabotage?
Asked to explain how saboteurs could have cut the energy supply to an entire Berlin district so easily, Berlin’s mayor replied: “Should I put a police officer at every location?” Critics say he’s missing the point.
Elections and reforms: What can be expected in German politics in 2026?
The year 2026 brings state elections that are likely to shake up coalition politics in Germany, and may even mark the beginning of a major shift for the republic. Here's an overview of what to watch out for.
Conservatives call for further tightening of migration policy in Germany
A draft resolution by Bavaria’s conservative CSU party calls for a “major deportation offensive” in 2026, including scheduled flights to Syria and Afghanistan, according to reports on Friday.
EU 'strongly condemns' US visa bans against five Europeans
The European Union reacted sharply on Wednesday to US visa sanctions imposed on five European figures involved in regulating tech companies, including former European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
US government targets German non-profit that supports victims of hate speech
The Trump administration has issued an entry ban against two managing directors of a German non-profit committed to combating hate on the internet, as well as founders of similar organisations in England and a former EU commissioner.
Bundesbank predicts slower German economic rebound in 2026
Germany's central bank on Friday slightly lowered its growth forecast for next year in Europe's largest economy, predicting a slower recovery after three years of stagnation.
'Not our enemy': Rush to rearm sparks backlash in east Germany
As Germany faces a hostile Russia, a defence firm plans to open a munitions plant in the ex-communist east – but many locals are sympathetic towards Moscow and up in arms about the project.
German MPs approve €50 billion in military purchases
German lawmakers Wednesday approved about €50 billion in military purchases, as Berlin accelerates defence spending in the face of a hostile Russia and signs of weakening security commitments from Washington.
19 European countries call on EU to fund migrant 'return hubs'
After the European Union significantly tightened its immigration policy earlier this month, 19 EU countries on Wednesday urged the European Commission to finance "return hubs" outside the bloc for failed asylum-seekers.
'Chilling effect': How civic freedoms are under threat in Germany
Germany’s political freedom rating has been downgraded twice in three years, according to a recent global assessment. An expert explains how certain protest movements have been targeted, and what it means for the country's civic spaces.
'Bürgergeld is history': How Germany's unemployment benefit is being reformed
Major reforms to Germany's long-term unemployment benefit are likely to have a significant impact on those who are out of work or earn very little. Here's what's set to change as the proposed draft law is passed by the Federal Cabinet.
Merz hails EU auto measures, industry group slams them as 'disastrous'
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Tuesday hailed the EU's proposals to help the struggling auto sector and manufacturers gave them a cautious welcome – but an industry group called them "disastrous".
Majority of Germans believe the country has seen too much immigration
Attitudes to immigration appear to be hardening significantly in Germany, but most people in the country still say they would accept more immigration rather than see fewer healthcare workers.
Ukraine talks resume in Berlin with territorial stakes unresolved
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed on with high-stakes talks in Berlin on Monday with US President Donald Trump's envoys aimed at ending the war with Russia, but thorny territorial questions remained unresolved.
Alternative for Germany politician charged over Hitler salute in parliament
Berlin prosecutors said Monday they have charged a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party with making a Nazi salute in parliament.
German defence giants battle over military spending ramp-up
Defence giants are drawing battle lines as Germany rearms, with the old guard arguing for traditional heavy weaponry while start-ups push for more modern kit such as AI-enabled drones.
Germany blames Russia for cyberattack on air safety, election interference
Germany on Friday accused Russia of a cyberattack targeting its air traffic control and spreading disinformation ahead of February's general election, charges dismissed by Russia as "absurd" and "baseless".
Germany to restrict green lawsuits for infrastructure projects
Germany's ruling coalition said Thursday it will limit the right of environmental groups to bring court challenges over infrastructure projects, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz battles to revive the economy.
Alternative for Germany members travel to the US on taxpayer money
Several members of the anti-immigration AfD party have been invited to the United States to meet with members of Donald Trump's Republican party. Lawmakers from other parties say the trip misuses taxpayer money for 'anti-Germany diplomacy'.
Merz says new EU rules mean Germany could soon end border controls
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Tuesday he expected to soon end border controls after EU countries backed a significant tightening of Europe's migration policy.
'Without immigrants nothing works': German Chancellor walks back controversial comments
Germany’s Chancellor spoke about immigration with a softer tone on Monday, not quite apologising for prior comments but noting that foreign workers are badly needed in the medical sector. Could this mark a significant shift in the political debate?