German politics

Commentary is drawing attention to a claimed collapse of Germany's political centre, arguing that mainstream middle parties are losing ground while voters shift toward the political extremes. The discussion asks what comes next for German politics and how a government might be formed if centrist parties can no longer command broad support.

German public broadcaster Weltspiegel has published a report examining why the war in Sudan shows no sign of ending. The piece looks at the fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, and the political and regional factors that keep the conflict going. It is drawing wide attention among German-speaking audiences following Sudan's civil war.

German outlet Der Spiegel has released the second part of its 'Inside Russia' documentary series, presenting what it describes as exclusive insights into Vladimir Putin's isolated dictatorship. The film explores daily life, political repression and the atmosphere inside Russia, and is drawing large international attention amid ongoing interest in how ordinary Russians experience the war in Ukraine and tightening Kremlin control.

The European People's Party is sharpening its position on migration. At a large gathering of the party in southern France, Friedrich Merz and the CDU are pushing for stricter measures on migration, following the party's defeats in recent German state elections. An amendment proposal calling for tougher policies has been put forward for delegates to approve.

Cities across Europe are searching for new ways to increase the supply of affordable housing as rents and property prices strain household budgets. The topic, reported by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, reflects a wider debate among urban policymakers about construction, regulation and public investment. Housing affordability has become a pressing political issue in many major European cities.

Thousands of students across Germany went on strike on Friday, 25 January, protesting against the reintroduction of military conscription and against education cuts, according to a report by Ana Vracar in Savage Minds. The action frames opposition to militarisation as inseparable from defence of public education funding, and organisers say youth reject being turned into a reserve army as European security debates intensify.

Pope Leo will travel to Metz, France, where he plans to invoke Robert Schuman's vision of European unity, according to RFI. Schuman, a French statesman and one of the EU's founding fathers, championed Franco-German reconciliation after the Second World War. The speech is being watched as a signal of the Vatican's position on European integration at a time of political fragmentation.

German social media users are commenting that the Bild tabloid has helped end Jens Spahn's political career, with the phrase 'breaking his neck' used figuratively. The discussion touches on Spahn and the Union parties, expressing surprise that Bild, often an ally of conservative politicians, would turn on him. Details of what prompted the tabloid's stance remain sparse in the posts themselves.

The refugee rights organisation Pro Asyl is marking its 40th anniversary. Amid an increasingly heated German debate over migration and asylum, the group is highlighting the stories of people who arrived in 2015 and have since settled, work, study and become part of society. It argues these success stories are told far too rarely in the current political climate.

Former German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, speaking in an interview with Caren Miosga, has accused Israel of committing war crimes. The statement by the prominent Green politician is drawing strong reactions in Germany, where debate over Israel's military actions and the government's response remains highly sensitive and politically charged.