Latest news with #Spahn
DW
14 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
Germany updates: Berlin to end migrant rescue NGO funding – DW – 06/25/2025
The German Foreign Ministry said it would no longer fund NGOs rescuing migrants in distress at sea. Meanwhile, police launched a nationwide operation targeting people suspected of inciting hate online. DW has the latest. The German government is reportedly planning to cut all funding for groups that rescue people in distress who are migrating across the Mediterranean Sea. According to the Foreign Ministry, no money has been earmarked for migrant rescue groups in Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's new budget plans. The German government had been giving out around €2 million (around $2.3 million) per year in recent years. Already in the first half of 2025, almost €900,000 had been provided to groups such as Sea-Eye, SOS Humanity and Sant'Egidio. Sea-Eye responded to the news with sharp criticism of the new German government. "We're filling a gap in the Mediterranean that should have been closed by European states — including Germany," the group's chairman Gorden Isler said, adding that without the financing, Sea-Eye may have to stay grounded. Opposition Green lawmaker Jamila Schäfer was also critical of the decision, saying that cutting funding would not reduce migration, but just make the routes even deadlier. "We pay for a fire service to save lives on land. We should also not let people drown in the sea," she told German news agency DPA The Mediterranean is one of the deadliest migrant routes in the world, even with rescue organizations patrolling the sea. According to the Missing Migrants Project, more than 32,000 people have disappeared while trying to reach Europe since 2014. Rescues have become more difficult in recent years with Italy's far-right government passing a law severely restricting rescue operations, even as the number of people embarking on the dangerous routes continues to increase. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Jens Spahn, the former German health minister, was facing scrutiny on Wednesday over the misuse of public funds during the coronavirus pandemic. A report into his billion-euro mask deals, commissioned by his successor Karl Lauterbach, found that Spahn had engaged in the large-scale procurement of masks "against the advice of his specialized departments." Ines Schwerdtner, co-leader of the opposition Left Party, has subsequently called for Spahn to step down from his current role as parliamentary leader of the co-ruling conservative bloc (CDU/CSU), one of the most powerful positions in the Bundestag. "Anyone who throws our tax money out of the window so carelessly should no longer be allowed to hold an important political office," Schwerdtner said. Spahn should "do democracy one last service and resign as parliamentary group leader this week," she added. Police in Germany have searched more than 65 properties and questioned a large number of suspects during an operation to combat onlinehate speech, according to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), which supervised the operation. The agency said the operation was connected with more than 140 investigations. The BKA also said some two-thirds of the online statements under criminal investigation came from radical right-wing sources. Those being probed are accused of inciting hatred, insulting politicians and using symbols of terrorist groups or organizations that are considered to be unconstitutional. In some cases, people were alleged to have rewarded or approved criminal offenses. The police operation was the 12th of its kind, with the BKA saying such offenses have surged in recent years. The German Football Federation (DFB) has received a large fine for tax evasion connected with a payment related to the 2006 World Cup, hosted in Germany. The judge in the trial, which went on for almost a decade, said the DFB had shown "high criminal energy." DW's Chuck Penfold, from our Sports department, has more: German football bosses fined over 2006 World Cup scandal Germany's national rail operator Deutsche Bahn says it plans to extend its massive rail modernization program by four years. Railway leaders are meeting at an industry forum to "develop an adapted proposal for extending the corridor refurbishments until 2035," the company said on Wednesday. The overhaul includes major construction on more than 40 heavily used routes, following a year of record-low punctuality for long-distance trains. Key transport corridors in Germany are often dilapidated and overloaded, with delays worsened by frequent small-scale repairs targeting recurring faults. The European Union's General Court in Luxembourg has dismissed a lawsuit filed by budget airline Ryanair against German state aid granted to rival airline Condor. The case concerned €400 million (about $460 million) in loans provided by the state development bank KfW, which were approved by the European Commission in July 2021, during the COVID pandemic. Ryanair had challenged that approval, but the court said Wednesday that the Commission acted lawfully. The judges found no evidence that the aid discriminated against other airlines or violated freedom of establishment or the free provision of services. Ryanair may still appeal the decision to the European Court of Justice. The ruling follows two other cases in Luxembourg involving German support for Condor after the collapse of its former parent company Thomas Cook. In May 2022, Ryanair lost a case over a €380 million loan. In May 2024, the court annulled the approval of €321 million in restructuring aid. Condor has appealed that ruling to the European Court of Justice, where the case is still pending. Seven ducklings have been rescued from a dirt trap in a manhole in the southern city of Offenburg, the city's fire brigade said on Wednesday. Passersby alerted the fire brigade after sighting the ducklings on Monday evening. Fire personnel levered up the manhole cover to rescue the young birds, whose mother could not be found despite a search of the surrounding area. They have been taken to an animal shelter, officials said. Earlier this week, police in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate also reported rescuing several ducklings from a stream, using a bucket and rope to pull them out and over steep walls. Those ducklings were luckier in that their mother was found in a nearby pond. Former Health Minister Jens Spahn is to face questions on the German government's actions in ordering face masks at a high price during the COVID-19 pandemic and then failing to accept or pay for them. The budget committee of the German Parliament, or Bundestag, will be discussing a report by the special investigator Margaretha Sudhof, a former deputy justice minister, who was commissioned to look into the matter by Spahn's successor in the position, Karl Lauterbach. Germany's government could face payments of some €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) to health-product manufacturers if courts rule against it in dozens of lawsuits. Spahn, who now heads the conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary bloc, has defended his actions, though he admitted last year that he would, with hindsight, do things differently. The CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD will also put forward a request to the parliament to establish an inquiry commission, aiming to investigate actions taken by the government during the pandemic, including lockdowns that had a major impact on the country's economy. German police have launched an operation to combat hate speech online, targeting particularly people suspected of trying to incite hostility toward particular social groups and of insulting politicians. The investigations will focus mostly on radical right-wing material posted online, along with insults to politicians at a level punishable by law. Herberl Reul, the conservative premier of the western state of North Rhine-Wesphalia, where police will also be carrying out numerous deployments as part of the operation, said, "Digital arsonists should not be able to hide behind their cellphones or computers." The operation, led by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), has been taking place annually for several years. In a statement, the BKA said police would take action in 180 cases connected with more than 140 investigations, including 65 property searches. It called on the public to report any cases of hate speech online to authorities. In May, the BKA issued figures showing that there were 10,732 hate-speech violations in 2024, an increase of some 34% over the year before. The number has even quadrupled in comparison to 2021, the BKA said. Most teachers in Germany are satisfied with their situation, and a large percentage would choose the job again, a study released on Wednesday has shown. According to the Schulbarometer report by the Robert Bosch Foundation, 84% of teachers are satisfied with their employment, 70% would take up teaching as a profession again if faced with the choice and 90% enjoy teaching at the schools where they are currently employed. The high satisfaction ratings come despite the fact that many teachers see pupil behavior as a growing challenge. The study showed that 42% of the some 1,500 teachers questioned find the conduct of pupils a "central problem," as compared with 35% a year previously. That figure went up to 52% in secondary schools that included pupils who, under Germany's complicated education system, are not intending to go on to university study. For the first time in the study, teachers were asked about their views on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for teaching purposes. Here, more than 60% described such technology as having a negative impact on social and communication skills and critical thinking. More than half (55%) of teachers said they used AI tools less than once a month or never, with 41% feeling "very unconfident" about them. Despite this, 57% saw clear advantages to AI tools when used to support individual pupils in their learning goals. from the newsroom in Bonn! We are once again covering major news events in Germany, including the nationwide police operation tackling online hate speech and incitement. A new study on teacher satisfaction shows that most are pleased with their job. And Germany continues to look at the government's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
10-05-2025
- Politics
Pope Leo XIV must carefully thread needle between Catholic Church's mission, US politics: Experts
In an instant, Cardinal Robert Prevost became the most powerful and influential American Catholic when he was selected to be pope and rechristened Pope Leo XIV on May 8. But with the United States' standing in the world on edge with President Donald Trump in office, experts say many will be watching the first American to lead the Catholic Church to see how he walks the tightrope between Western politics and his papal duties. Vatican experts told ABC News that Leo must thread that needle effortlessly, with a focus on leading from a global perspective. "I suspect he will be scrupulous and careful to avoid the thought that he is an American and not a Christian view," the Rev. Stephen Spahn, an assistant teaching professor of theology at Loyola University Maryland, told ABC News. "He is going to be a bridge builder and build relationships with world leaders broadly." At the same time, experts predicted Leo will not hesitate to speak out on American matters from his seat when needed. Spahn said cardinals have always come to their decisions knowing that the man who becomes pontiff will have to work within the geopolitical environment in pushing forward the Catholic Church's mission. "It's definitely going to trail him. How could it not?" he said of the pope's Americanism. "But the cardinals have said they chose him without any regard to his nationality." David Gibson, the director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University who has been in Rome all week, told ABC News that cardinals whom he spoke with do not see him as solely American, given his experience as a priest and missionary in South America. He noted Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis rarely traveled outside of their home countries when they were cardinals and that Leo's expertise on international relations will be beneficial during his tenure. "I think he does not want to be seen as an American pope," Gibson said. Both experts said Leo made a telling move when he delivered his first speech from the balcony in St. Peter's Basilica. The speech, which stressed the message of unity and building bridges, was in Italian and Spanish, and he did not publicly speak in English until his homily the next day. "He made no shoutout to his countryman. We will see more of that," Spahn said. However, experts said Leo will have to address the issues coming from his homeland at some point. Gibson said the cardinals he talked to noted that one of the decisions in Leo's selection was not Trump but the growing populist and nationalist movement sweeping the globe. "In that way, it is an irony that, frankly, the rest of the world was looking to an American as a sign of hope, as someone who can speak for them in an American register rather than act against them," he said. "They looked at him and said, 'OK, you know America, you know how to deal with this particular strong man.'" Trump, who was vocal against Francis' stance on immigration and the environment, offered congratulatory remarks to Leo after his election, saying the pope's election was a "great honor for our country." Leo has not immediately talked about the Trump administration since he was elected to the papacy. However, while he was a cardinal, he appears to have reposted articles that were critical of Vice President JD Vance and Trump's policies. Gibson said Leo will likely be more judicious with his communications, including social media posts, but will likely still have a voice in international affairs. "He will be like Francis, where he will message the Vatican's voice," he said. "[The Vatican is] certainly ready for it. They have been dealing with Trump for years. They don't get into back-and-forths. They will just make their position clear." Spahn agreed and likened Leo's relationship with American leaders to the one he has with his students. "As a professor, I want to build bridges with my students. I want to communicate that, but when they submit a paper, I'm taking out a red pen and I'm critiquing them," he said. At the same time, the Trump administration will likely maintain a friendly relationship with Leo during his "honeymoon" period as a matter of respect and to keep controversy down, Spahn argued. In one of his last actions, Francis wrote a letter to bishops that rebuked Vance's interpretation of the Latin phrase "ordo amoris." Vance contended in a Fox News interview that the idea meant that one must love his or her family first before the community and said he disagreed with Francis. Vance congratulated Leo's election on X, posting, "I'm sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church." "I thought that the vice president's congratulatory statement was generous and warm, and from his vantage point, there is no point in picking a fight," Spahn said. Gibson and Spahn both noted that Leo has been pushing that message of building bridges since his appointment and will offer guidance with no judgment. "One thing he made clear is he keeps repeating peace," Gibson said. "Every pope tries to do that and wants to do that. But if there is an opportunity to engage with the U.S. administration in peace, he will do that. The pope's door is always open."
Euronews
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
German far-right AfD party files lawsuit over 'right-wing extremist' designation
ADVERTISEMENT The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has filed a lawsuit against the country's agency tasked with protecting the constitution after it designated the party as "right-wing extremist" last Friday. Daniel Tapp, a spokesperson for the AfD's co-leader Alice Weidel, told dpa news agency that a letter outlining this was sent to the responsible administrative court in Cologne. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) on Friday designated the AfD as a right-wing extremist organisation. It concluded "after intensive examination" over a three-year period that racist and anti-Muslim stances advanced by the party were incompatible with the "free democratic order" set out in the country's constitution. Its positions on individuals with a migrant background were based on an 'ethnic-ancestry-based understanding' of German identity. Furthermore, the party's aims "exclude certain population groups from equal participation in society, to subject them to unconstitutional unequal treatment and thus to assign them a legally devalued status', the BfV said. Immediately after the ruling, the AfD called it a "serious blow to German democracy" and argued that the BfV was violating the country's constitution. The party's co-leaders, Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, said the AfD would "exhaust all legal means to defend the free democratic basic order." Opponents have previously called for the AfD to be banned on the grounds that it seeks to undermine democratic values. Domestic intelligence has already classified factions of the party, including its entire youth wing, as extremist. The classification of the entire party has reignited a debate about whether it should be outlawed, although several politicians, including outgoing Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have warned against making a "hasty decision". Related Germany designates AfD as right-wing extremist organisation, citing threat to democracy US Secretary of State Rubio says Germany is a 'tyranny in disguise' after AfD verdict Shortly before the classification, other political parties debated how far the AfD, the second-strongest party in parliament with 152 seats, should be integrated into parliamentary decision-making. Deputy leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Jens Spahn, previously called for the AfD to be treated like "any other opposition party". In light of the BfV's ruling, Spahn said that his party took the classification "seriously". CDU, alongside the Social Democrats (SPD) who are set to form a new coalition government on Tuesday, would "closely coordinate on how to deal with the AfD in parliamentary proceedings," Spahn added.
Gulf Insider
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
AfD Is Now Germany's Most Popular Party For The First Time Ever As 'Ban' Efforts Escalate
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has hit a historic watermark, and is now the most popular party in Germany for the first time ever, reaching 26 percent. The poll, from Forsa, shows the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in second place with 25 percent. If the vote were held today, the two parties set to enter government, the Social Democrats (SPD) and the CDU, would not have enough votes to enter government. The SPD is at 15 percent, giving the two parties a combined total of 40 percent. The poll showed that support for the Greens dropped a point to 11 percent and the Left Party also dropped a point to 9 percent. BREAKING: 🇩🇪The AfD party is now the most popular party in Germany for the first time ever, soaring to 26%.The main German parties are working to ban the AfD, and a vote on a ban is expected in the coming months in the new @RMXnews — Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) April 22, 2025 The news comes at a time when the left is racing to vote on a ban on the AfD in the German parliament, the Bundestag, a topic covered in detail by Remix News. However, despite inital reports that the CDU would back such a ban, the picture is becoming muddier. For one, there are more and more voices in the CDU and its sister party, the CSU, who are calling for 'more calm' towards the AfD, including from the influential vice-chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Jens Spahn. Spahn even said that the AfD should be able to lead some of the committee in the Bundestag, which would give the party more say and power. Given that it received the second-most votes during the German election, it should, like all other parties, have access to these committees, but many want to shut it out completely, especially from intelligence committees. The issue could lead to a major split in the coalition between the CDU and SPD. SPD Bundestag member Ralf Stegner told Welt his party has 'absolutely no sense of humor' on any attempt to go easy on the AfD. 🇩🇪🚨 "Germany needs the AfD"Young women are increasingly promoting the AfD party on of them feel increasingly unsafe in Germany, and they believe AfD is the answer. — Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) February 16, 2025 He said any kind of rapprochement would represent a 'maximum stress test' for the new coalition govenrment. 'Anyone who wants to form a coalition with the SPD cannot join forces with right-wing radicals. And joining forces also means voting for enemies of democracy,' he said. The MP, known for his left-wing views, instead is calling for a ban on the AfD if the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) classifies the party as 'confirmed right-wing extremist.' 'If the Office for the Protection of the Constitution upgrades its classification, then we also have a duty to work towards initiating a ban on the party,' Stegner said. 🇩🇪‼️ Young German woman explains why voters are turning to the AfD"I'm afraid to travel by train, afraid to go into town, afraid to do anything in public. And they talk about people being afraid of the AfD. The AfD has done nothing to anyone, unlike other people." — Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) February 10, 2025 However, Welt reports that CDU is rejecting an 'automoatic' approach to banning the AfD. Click here to read more…
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Senior German conservative casts doubt on €15 minimum wage by 2026
A top German conservative has cast doubt on whether a €15 ($16.50) hourly minimum wage can be achieved by 2026, just one day after the target was outlined in a coalition agreement. Jens Spahn, the deputy parliamentary leader for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), told broadcaster RTL/ntv on Thursday that it was "unlikely" Germany "will see enough growth and wage progression" for the target to be met by next year. The CDU presented its coalition deal with the Bavaria-only Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Wednesday, with the 144-page document stating that a €15 minimum wage - up from the current €12.82 - was "achievable" in 2026. Germany's Minimum Wage Commission is responsible for setting the figure, but the coalition agreement seeks to tweak the rules for the commission's calculations, aiming to tie the minimum wage to 60% of median pay. Spahn reiterated that the coalition will not set a statutory €15 minimum, but that the figure "would develop along with general wages in Germany." The former health minister is expected to hold a senior position in the new government but refused to be drawn into speculation on his future role.
