Skip to main content
Archived edition · August 21, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Germany

Germany

News summary for

Go to today →

Economy 📉

Baerbock Under Fire; Corporations Demand Reforms Amid Economic Woes

Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations General Assembly, is facing accusations of overstepping her authority regarding the appointment of a UN Secretary-General, drawing criticism from both the USA and Russia. This comes as the German government is reportedly taking decisive action concerning the 'Russian House' due to espionage concerns.

Domestically, major corporations, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Siemens, are increasing pressure on Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition government to swiftly implement promised economic reforms. This pressure mounts as new reports indicate a significant economic downturn, with an expert declaring the 'golden age' of German automakers over due to Chinese competition and 188,000 businesses closing in the past year.

Further economic and social challenges are highlighted by warnings of a critical labor shortage in East Germany without increased immigration and a column advocating for a wealth tax on high assets. Meanwhile, Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt is cultivating a public image through lighthearted appearances.

Some sources unavailable — showing 6 of 7 news sources today.

Top stories

Baerbock Faces International Criticism at UN

Annalena Baerbock, currently serving as the President of the United Nations General Assembly, has drawn criticism from the USA and Russia for allegedly overstepping her authority concerning the appointment of a UN Secretary-General. This controversy arises as her term at the UN nears its end, with Russia citing an overreach of competence and the USA labeling it 'hypocrisy'.

Economic Downturn and Corporate Pressure on Government

Germany's economy faces significant challenges, with an expert declaring the 'golden age' of German automakers over due to the dominance of Chinese plug-in hybrids in the European market. Additionally, 188,000 businesses have closed in the past year, significantly damaging the country's economic foundation. In response, major corporations such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Siemens are pressuring Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to swiftly implement promised reforms. An economist…

Frank Gotthardt Finances Right-Populist Media

Frank Gotthardt, a millionaire and businessperson, is financing the right-populist portal 'Nius', highlighting concerns about media influence and political alignment.

Ukrainian Soldiers Flee Training in Germany

Reports indicate that Ukrainian soldiers have fled during their training in Germany, with one soldier expressing a desire to avoid death.

Debate on Wealth Tax and Corporate Sales

A column by Marcel Fratzscher argues for a stronger taxation of high assets, asserting that a wealth tax is overdue for economic reason and justice. Meanwhile, questions are being raised about whether officials are misleading citizens regarding the sale of German company Kuka, and German fan manufacturer EBM-Papst is being sold to a US company.

Putin Exploits German Anxiety

An analysis suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin is intentionally exploiting 'German Angst' (German anxiety), implying that Germans are inadvertently complying with his strategy.

News sources