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Severe Storms Lash Nation; Saxony-Anhalt Election Debate Heats Up

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A severe weather front, bringing thunderstorms and a high risk of flash floods, is currently impacting Germany, with some reports calling it the 'most dangerous day'. This widespread weather event is dominating domestic news, prompting warnings across affected regions.

Politically, the focus is on the heated TV debate in Saxony-Anhalt between Minister-President Sven Schulze of the CDU and Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's lead candidate, ahead of the upcoming state election. This debate is seen as a key moment in the campaign, with various analyses of the candidates' performances.

In other domestic news, the University Hospital Rostock has fired a senior physician following racist and inhumane statements. Meanwhile, the Robert Koch Institute estimates approximately 15,800 heat-related deaths occurred by mid-August, and inflation continues to erode real wage growth for many Germans.

Top stories

Severe Storms and Flash Flood Warnings

A significant severe weather front is sweeping across Germany, bringing heavy thunderstorms and a high risk of flash floods. The situation is being described as potentially the 'most dangerous day' due to the intensity of the storms and the associated dangers.

t-online Severe Storms Hit Germany, Declared Most Dangerous Day ↗

Saxony-Anhalt State Election Debate

The political landscape in Saxony-Anhalt is dominated by the recent TV debate between CDU's Minister-President Sven Schulze and AfD's lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund for the upcoming state election. The debate, described as heated and surprising, saw Schulze expressing satisfaction with the outcome, while Siegmund's performance drew scrutiny. SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch also visited the state, signaling his party's efforts to overcome its current crisis.

Racism Incident at University Hospital Rostock

The University Hospital Rostock has taken decisive action against a senior physician, first suspending and then firing them, due to racist and inhumane posts, including offensive phrases.

Economic and Social Indicators

Germany is grappling with economic challenges as inflation continues to significantly impact purchasing power, resulting in only slight increases in real wages. Furthermore, a sobering estimate from the Robert Koch Institute indicates approximately 15,800 heat-related deaths by mid-August.

Historical Research on Nazi Era

DER SPIEGEL has undertaken an extensive analysis of hundreds of thousands of SS membership files and card entries to assist individuals in tracing their family history during the Nazi era.

DER SPIEGEL Was Your Grandfather in the SS? What Did Your Family Do Under Hitler? ↗