Overview

• At the Bundestag general debate, the chancellor said a "Herbst der Reformen" will extend across seasons, flagged changes to Bürgergeld and pensions, and framed security as a priority.
• Merz claimed asylum accessions fell about 60% year-on-year in August and argued a migration course correction is underway, while warning of Russian sabotage and espionage efforts.
• Opposition leaders Katharina Dröge (Greens) and Heidi Reichinnek (Left) attacked the plan as socially harsh and insufficient on climate and investment, highlighting coalition strains.
• State protection is investigating suspected arson that destroyed a Lehrte rail signaling cabinet; Deutsche Bahn reported tens of thousands of affected passengers and 250+ delayed trains, with services largely restored.
• The Oberlandesgericht Stuttgart gave Sulaiman A. a life sentence with special severity for the Mannheim police killing, and courts in Baden‑Württemberg have now imposed over 130 years of prison terms in the Stuttgart‑area gang cases, including a new 9½‑year verdict.