Actually, when you stop to think about it, you’re right to insult us

If I were you, I would insult us too

Germany rethinks law protecting politicians from insults – Criminal investigations of people who have referred to Merz as “Pinocchio” and “Lying Fritz” have prompted calls for reform across the political divide.

Germany’s political parties have converged on an unusual point of agreement: A law penalizing citizens for insulting politicians needs to change, following controversial investigations of people who mocked Chancellor Friedrich Merz as “Pinocchio” and “Lying Fritz.”

But while politicians across the spectrum agree the law needs fixing — they just can’t agree how, or when, to change it.

How the mighty have fallen

And keep fallin’.

Germany’s auto industry loses over 42,000 jobs in six months – Germany’s struggling automotive industry is facing further pressure as employment in the sector continues to decline.

According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the number of people employed at automotive manufacturing companies fell by 42,300, or 5.8%, in the first six months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

Following the decline, employment in Germany’s automotive industry dropped to 691,500. This is the lowest level recorded since 2005.

CAF cases spreading rapidly across Germany

The recent outbreak of CAF (Climate Action Fatigue) is still spreading across the Federal Republic of Germany.

Media authorities are highly concerned and have intensified their efforts to get German minds back under control. Unnamed sources say they may even have to call for the mandatory use of face masks.

In Germany record heat meets climate action fatigue – For the German government climate action does not seem to be a priority — despite record temperatures, heat-related deaths and drought. Why don’t more people take to the streets in protest?

Germany alert: Level 2!

But at least Germany’s not a ‘wasted cause’ like Spain.

US cites terrorism risk in Germany – Alongside Germany, Sweden, France and Italy are also listed by the US government at security level 2. In these countries, travellers from the US are urged to be particularly vigilant in busy places because of an increased terrorist threat.

“Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public places with knives, small arms, improvised explosive devices and vehicles. Such attacks can occur with little or no warning and target: tourist sites, transport hubs (airports, railway stations or bus terminals), markets and shopping centres, municipal facilities, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship and educational institutions, parks, major sporting and cultural events, schools.”

“Spying rules?”

Rules for spies?

Like a “friends don’t spy on friends” kinda rule?

German cabinet approves new spying rules – Germany’s cabinet approved new rules for its spies Wednesday to lift World War II-era restrictions on offensive cyber operations, sabotage, and espionage.

The changes augur a “revolution” in Berlin’s intelligence infrastructure, the German interior minister said, fueled by a growing perception across Europe that the threat of Russian sabotage and influence operations is increasing as Moscow’s battlefield position deteriorates.

When German public servants call in “sick”

They don’t mess around.

“Wenn schon denn schon.” If you’re going to do it, do it right.

Off sick for up to ten years: What lies behind Germany’s teacher shortage – At the start of the new school year, many German schools face an acute staffing crisis, with teachers missing in several subjects and lengthy sick leave further tightening an already tense situation.

Germany’s schools are facing a structural staffing crisis. More teachers have been hired and the federal states are trying to counter this by creating additional posts, recruiting lateral entrants and offering financial incentives.

But, everybody will be in church!

Not.

Opening on Sunday, the taboo for stores in Germany that the government wants to break.

The coalition of conservatives and social democrats is debating ending a century-old tradition by giving certain establishments greater flexibility on business hours. Half the population supports it.

Gimme a submarine

With everything on it.

Israel’s new $634M German-built ‘doomsday’ sub gives major boost to Iran deterrence – The Dolphin-class submarine, built by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp, is the largest sub built in Germany since WWII.

Israel has officially received the INS Drakon submarine from Germany, the most advanced and expensive submarine ever delivered to the Israeli Navy…

“Some of them would have to be at sea, on high alert, around the clock, if Iran suddenly attacked Israel in such a way that would cripple the IDF, including its strategic capabilities,” Eilam said.

“In such a drastic scenario, Israel’s submarine/s that would be at sea could respond,” he added.

“No path forward”

To the past.

Wind farms were yesterday.

Trump administration to pay German firm $1.2bn to halt US wind projects – German energy company RWE has said it will abandon its offshore wind projects in the US after reaching a $1.2bn (£892m) payout deal with President Donald Trump’s Department of the Interior (DoI).

RWE said that it will now reinvest the sum into conventional gas projects, including $900m (£669m) in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal project in Louisiana.

“After careful consideration, it was determined there is no path forward to permit these projects in the US for the foreseeable future,” the company said in a statement.

When the party is over…

The party’s over.

Berlin clubs struggle as drink sales dry up and costs rise – Berlin’s clubs are still drawing crowds, but shorter nights, fewer alcohol sales and rising costs have changed their business model. Door fees, rather than bar takings, are increasingly their real financial lifeline.

Berlin’s world-famous club scene has remained in high demand, but venues are increasingly struggling to turn packed dancefloors into sustainable businesses.