Key Takeaways:
- Germany’s ruling CDU party has proposed limiting part-time work, sparking controversy and opposition from experts and unions.
- A new poll shows that half of voters in the wealthy state of Baden-Württemberg support cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
- Deutsche Bank is planning to slash its branch network and push customers to use online apps and AI assistants.
- A majority of Germans (61%) view US President Donald Trump as a threat to their country, according to a new poll.
- Germany’s Bundesbank is facing a relentless barrage of cyberattacks, with over 5,000 attacks per minute on its IT systems.
Introduction to Recent Events in Germany
Germany has been making headlines in recent days, with a range of stories that reflect the country’s complex politics, economy, and society. From the ruling CDU party’s proposal to limit part-time work to the growing popularity of the far-right AfD party, there are many issues that are sparking controversy and debate. In this article, we will explore some of the key stories that are shaping Germany today.
Limiting Part-Time Work: A Controversial Proposal
The CDU party’s proposal to limit part-time work has sparked opposition from experts and unions, who argue that it would cause great damage to many companies and the German economy. The proposal would reserve the right to reduce working hours only to employees who are raising children, caring for a relative, or taking additional vocational training. However, the German Institute for Employment Research (IAB) has said that the record rise in part-time employment has not impacted the overall hours worked, as part-time workers have worked more in 2025 than in previous years.
Rise of the AfD Party
A new poll has shown that half of voters in the wealthy state of Baden-Württemberg support cooperation with the far-right AfD party. The AfD party has been gaining popularity in recent years, and is now the second most popular party in Germany. The poll found that 24% of voters said parties should deal with the AfD on a case-by-case basis, while 26% viewed the AfD as a viable political operation that they would have no problem seeing in a government coalition.
Deutsche Bank’s Digital Transformation
Deutsche Bank is planning to slash its branch network and push customers to use online apps and AI assistants. The bank says that the shift to more reliance on artificial intelligence will free employees to deal with personal consultations with customers. However, the move is expected to lead to job losses, although the bank claims that the impact will be minimal.
German Views on Trump
A majority of Germans (61%) view US President Donald Trump as a threat to their country, according to a new poll. The poll found that 24% of respondents said they continue to view Trump as an ally, while 52% called on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his administration to take a harder line when dealing with the US.
Cyberattacks on the Bundesbank
Germany’s Bundesbank is facing a relentless barrage of cyberattacks, with over 5,000 attacks per minute on its IT systems. The bank’s president, Joachim Nagel, has said that the institution is in a "never-ending race" to protect itself from cyber criminals. The government has vowed to become more aggressive in fighting cyber crime, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt saying that Germany will "strike back" against attackers and disrupt their infrastructure.
Police Violence and Tasers
The number of police shootings in Germany remains above average, with 17 individuals killed by police in 2025. The high number has amplified calls for police to be equipped with Tasers, which could provide a non-lethal option in threatening situations. Several states are looking to pass laws to allow local and state police to carry Tasers, which are currently only carried by special forces units.
EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement
The EU-Mercosur trade agreement has been delayed after the European Union Parliament voted to seek a legal review of the deal. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has criticized the move, calling it a "very serious political mistake" that could harm political trust and delay the implementation of the agreement. The deal, which would create one of the largest free-trade zones in the world, has been in the works for 25 years and was approved by the EU on January 9.