- 20h ago
Jens Spahn resigns as CDU/CSU parliamentary leader after surrogacy backlash
The head of Germany's conservative parliamentary group stepped down on Saturday after his decision to have a child via a surrogate in the United States collided with his party's long-standing opposition to the practice.
- yesterday
Jens Spahn steps down as CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader after surrogacy controversy; Chancellor Merz demanded his resignation
The head of Germany's CDU/CSU parliamentary group stepped down on Saturday after Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded his resignation, following revelations that Spahn and his husband used a surrogate in the United States to become parents.
- 4d ago
Jens Spahn resigns as Union parliamentary group leader after surrogacy row; Thorsten Frei tipped as successor
Chancellor Merz faces a cabinet reshuffle as Thorsten Frei emerges as frontrunner to replace Jens Spahn, who stepped down after outrage over his use of a surrogate mother in the US.
- Jul 7
Germany plans deep cuts to heat pump subsidies, shifts to income-based support
The German government is planning to slash subsidies for climate-friendly heating systems, saving €2.1 billion by 2030, while redirecting support to lower-income households and families.
- Jun 14
Spahn pressures SPD to deliver working time reform, shifting from 8-hour day to weekly maximum
CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn has urged the SPD to implement the coalition deal on flexible working hours, warning that the economy needs more room to manoeuvre. The Social Democrats are resisting, with unions calling the reform an attack on health.
- Jun 1
Germany's Coalition Clashes Over Student Grants: BAföG Increase in Doubt as SPD Accuses CDU/CSU of Breaking Promises
A dispute over the financing of a planned increase to Germany's student grant scheme, BAföG, has erupted within the ruling coalition, with the SPD accusing its CDU/CSU partners of reneging on a deal and sowing uncertainty among young people.
- May 31
Germany's Bafög Reform in Limbo: Minister Bär Doubts Passage, SPD Fires Back in Coalition Clash
A public dispute has erupted within Germany's governing coalition after Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) cast doubt on the planned Bafög student aid reform, drawing sharp rebukes from the SPD, which insists the deal is still on.
