Overview
- After Johann Wadephul’s Syria comments and Friedrich Merz’s remarks on the urban “street image,” televised exchanges highlighted sharp disagreements over possible returns to Syria, policing levels and social responses.
- The SPD leadership approved an industry paper that seeks a subsidised Industriestrompreis starting 1 January 2026 and conditions aid on “location patriotism,” with details still requiring EU approval and budget decisions.
- Berlin and Brandenburg signed a Digitalfunk agreement to simplify joint emergency assistance and exercises and are discussing shared use of the Lichtenrade detention facility and a new departure center at BER.
- Iris Stalzer was sworn in as Herdecke’s mayor weeks after a life-threatening knife attack, while prosecutors continue investigating her 17-year-old adoptive daughter as a suspect.
- US media and AP projected Zohran Mamdani the winner of New York City’s mayoral race, following President Trump’s pre‑election threat to limit federal funds if Mamdani prevailed.