Karl-Josef Laumann
Photo: Olaf Kosinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0 de (Wikimedia Commons, cropped)
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- Oct 14
NRW government opposes BASF takeover bid for Evonik, RAG foundation stays silent
Economy minister Mona Neubaur told the state parliament on Wednesday, 14 October, that the NRW government is against the takeover. The RAG foundation, which holds about 44 percent of Evonik, has not yet set out its position.
- Sep 26
German coalition deadlocked over care insurance reform ahead of cabinet review
Negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD stalled on 29 September 2026 over proposed cuts to statutory care insurance and rising nursing home costs.
- Sep 24
Bundestag opens debate on opt-out organ donation bill to address donor shortages
German lawmakers opened their first reading on Thursday of a cross-party bill to make organ donation the default for adults unless they register an objection.
- Jul 31
Germany records nearly 10,000 heat-related deaths in 2026, surpassing any full year since 2016
The Robert Koch Institute estimates 9,800 heat-related deaths by 19 July, with over 5,000 during June's 40°C heatwave. Elderly most affected; calls grow for a national heat protection strategy.
- Jun 16
North Rhine-Westphalia government acknowledges AI speechwriting help, denies full automation
A survey reveals that the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia uses artificial intelligence for drafting speeches and guest contributions, but officials insist human staff still review and finalize all content.
