- Sep 1
German care insurance faces 4.4 billion euro deficit as funds deplete in October
Germany's statutory long-term care insurance will run out of liquid funds in October 2026, leaving an uncovered funding requirement of 10 billion euros for 2027 as spending outpaces contribution revenues.
- Aug 25
Finance Minister Klingbeil Rejects Draft Proposal to Tax Sugar-Free Drinks in Germany
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has ruled out extending a planned soft drink levy to artificially sweetened beverages following coalition backlash over a leaked Finance Ministry draft paper.
- Aug 20
German medical review confirms 3,098 treatment errors and 97 deaths in 2025
The Medizinischer Dienst reviewed 11,735 suspected cases of medical malpractice across Germany in 2025, confirming 3,098 errors and recording 150 severe preventable incidents known as never events.
- Aug 8
German pediatricians demand strict social media rules, calling platforms 'sick and stupid' for youth
Germany's pediatricians association says social media makes young people 'sick and stupid,' accuses parents of serious failure, and urges the government to follow France's lead on age-based platform bans.
- Jul 27
Merz reshuffles CDU and cabinet: Franziska Hoppermann to become party general secretary, Linnemann moves to health ministry
Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed the current party treasurer to the CDU presidium on Monday, part of a wider personnel package triggered by Jens Spahn's resignation as parliamentary group leader.
- Jul 26
Söder announces 2028 re-election bid, defends Merz's reshuffle, and warns against AfD cooperation
Bavarian premier Markus Söder used the ZDF Sommerinterview to confirm his 2028 candidacy, defend Chancellor Merz's cabinet reshuffle, and draw a sharp line against cooperation with the AfD, while also addressing the Berlin CSD attack.
- Jul 25
Linnemann, with 'hell of a respect', takes on health minister role despite own earlier doubts
Carsten Linnemann, previously unsure of his suitability, now accepts Germany's health ministry, promising to reduce the number of health insurance funds and stabilize social contributions.
- Jul 24
Merz reshuffles German cabinet after Spahn resignation, signals further changes before state votes
Chancellor Friedrich Merz replaced his chancellery chief and health minister on Friday, with the transport minister also expected to depart, as he seeks to revive his unpopular government before September regional elections.
- Jul 23
Merz reshuffles cabinet as CDU rebellion exposes chancellor's weakened grip
Chancellor Friedrich Merz replaced his transport and health ministers and installed a new parliamentary group leader after an 11-day reshuffle, but open criticism from senior CDU figures and a new pension row with eastern state premiers left his authority badly dented.
- Jul 19
Jens Spahn resigns as CDU/CSU parliamentary leader after surrogacy backlash
The head of Germany's conservative parliamentary group stepped down on Saturday after his decision to have a child via a surrogate in the United States collided with his party's long-standing opposition to the practice.
- Jun 22
CDU rejects new Linke chief's apology for calling party 'fascist', demands resignation
Newly elected Die Linke co-chair Luigi Pantisano apologized Monday for claiming there is 'no difference' between CDU, AfD and 'the fascists themselves,' but CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann dismissed the apology as 'an impertinence' and reiterated his demand that Pantisano resign.
- Jun 18
Bas's working-time draft ties loosening to collective deals, sparking coalition row
A draft labour law from minister Bärbel Bas would limit flexible weekly hours to companies covered by collective agreements, drawing furious criticism from employer groups and coalition partner CDU/CSU, who say it breaks the government's pact.
- Jun 9
German employer chief demands pension brake as 4.2% rise takes effect and contribution rate nears 20%
Employer president Rainer Dulger calls for slower pension increases and a higher retirement age, warning that back-to-back rises above 4% are outpacing wages and prices.
