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Germany Approves New Military Service Plan to Expand Bundeswehr

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Germany’s coalition government has agreed on a new military service plan aimed at significantly expanding the Bundeswehr amid growing security concerns in Europe. Starting next year, all 18-year-old men will be required to complete a military service questionnaire, with women participating voluntarily. From 2027, mandatory medical examinations for men will follow. The plan is designed to help Germany build Europe’s strongest conventional army and could pave the way for compulsory enlistment if targets aren’t met.

The government aims to boost active troop strength from around 182,000 to as many as 260,000 by 2035, supported by an additional 200,000 reservists. Defence leaders—including Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger—believe the goal is achievable within five years, especially as NATO pressures member states to strengthen defence capabilities in response to potential threats from Russia. Recent warnings from German defence officials have emphasised the need to be fully prepared by 2029.

However, the plan faces strong opposition from Germany’s political left and many young people, who argue that compulsory service infringes on personal freedom. Protests have emerged, with some youths expressing fear of being drawn into conflict, while others have voluntarily enlisted citing a desire to protect democracy. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has attempted to reassure the public, insisting that a stronger, better-equipped military serves as a deterrent and reduces the likelihood of Germany entering a conflict.

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Algeria Pardons Jailed Novelist Boualem Sansal Amid Diplomatic Efforts

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Almost a year after his arrest at Algiers airport, French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, 81, has been pardoned by the Algerian presidency and allowed to leave the country. Sansal, who has been at the center of a tense diplomatic row between Paris and Algiers, departed for Germany on a military plane to receive medical treatment for prostate cancer.

The release came after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier directly appealed to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, leveraging his trusted relationship with the Algerian leader. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Tebboune for the “act of humanity,” highlighting France’s respectful and calm approach in securing Sansal’s freedom.

Sansal had been sentenced to five years in prison in July for remarks deemed to undermine national unity, having long been critical of the Algerian government. His pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds due to his advanced age and fragile health, overriding earlier unsuccessful appeals from France.

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German Man Arrested Over Dark Web Death Threats Against Politicians

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German authorities have arrested a Polish-German citizen accused of operating a dark web platform that called for the assassination of high-profile political figures. Prosecutors said the suspect — identified only as Martin S., in line with German privacy laws — offered cryptocurrency bounties for “successful hits” and shared personal details of individuals he had labelled with “death sentences.” Reports suggest former chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz were among the alleged targets.

The suspect was detained in Dortmund late on Monday and faces charges related to serious crimes against the state. While officials have not disclosed his motives, they confirmed that his website, active since mid-2025, also provided information on making explosives. He was scheduled to appear before an investigative judge who will determine whether an arrest warrant will be issued.

The case comes amid rising concerns in Germany over escalating threats and attacks on politicians, fuelled by increasing political polarisation. A recent report by the federal cyber-security agency BSI warned that businesses and institutions are still not adequately protected, highlighting a 52% surge in cyberattacks — including DDoS operations, with Russia identified as a major source — around the national election earlier this year.

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Trial Opens for Suspect in Deadly Magdeburg Christmas Market Attack

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The trial has begun in Magdeburg, Germany, for Taleb A., a 51-year-old Saudi doctor accused of driving a rented BMW through a crowded Christmas market on 20 December 2024, killing six people — including a nine-year-old boy — and injuring more than 300 others. Prosecutors said the vehicle reached speeds of up to 48 km/h during the attack, which lasted just over a minute.

Authorities allege the suspect acted deliberately, motivated by anger and frustration over personal legal disputes. He faces charges including six counts of murder, attempted murder of 338 people, and causing grievous bodily harm to more than 300 others. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence. Prosecutors added that he was sober, acted alone, and planned the attack over several weeks.

The case is being held in a special temporary courtroom due to the large number of victims and their families. Officials described the accused as an “untypical” attacker, noting his criticism of Islam and past expressions of support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The incident recalled previous attacks on German Christmas markets, which have been targeted in recent years.

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Nexperia Chip Shipments Resume Amid Easing Trade Tensions

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Semiconductor maker Nexperia has restarted some chip deliveries after weeks of disruption caused by a dispute between the Netherlands and China over technology transfers. German officials welcomed the signs of “de-escalation,” expressing hope that temporary permits would soon restore supply to Europe’s major automotive industry.

Germany’s Aumovio has secured exemptions from Chinese export controls, becoming the first supplier to confirm resumed access to Nexperia chips. Honda also reported progress, saying shipments in China had begun and production at affected plants in North America could restart as early as next week, though uncertainty remains.

Nexperia, which is Chinese-owned but headquartered in the Netherlands, produces essential components for car electronics. Suppliers had warned they might furlough workers if shortages continued. While Nexperia expects product flows to normalize soon, European automakers like Volkswagen remain cautious, warning that chip constraints could still threaten output into 2025.

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Germany Bans Muslim Interaktiv Over Alleged Anti-Constitutional Activities

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German authorities have banned the activist influencer group Muslim Interaktiv, accusing it of promoting anti-constitutional goals by calling for the establishment of a caliphate. The Interior Ministry said the group, which is active online and organizes demonstrations, would be dissolved and its assets seized. Muslim Interaktiv denies claims that it seeks to undermine Germany’s social order, insisting that it supports the German constitution.

Alongside the ban, police raided multiple properties connected to two other Islamic organizations — Generation Islam and Realitaet Islam — as part of ongoing investigations into similar suspicions. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the German government and sections of the Muslim community, intensified by Berlin’s strong support for Israel since the Gaza conflict escalated in 2023. Recent remarks by Chancellor Friedrich Merz about deportations and “urban spaces” have further fueled criticism.

The action follows a major demonstration in Hamburg last year where Muslim Interaktiv supporters held up banners reading “Caliphate is the solution.” Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said authorities would act firmly against anyone who incites hatred against Israel or rejects democratic values. In a statement posted online, the group reiterated its recognition of Germany’s Basic Law but rejected what it described as state interference in its religious beliefs.

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Germany to Ban Online Cannabis Sales Amid Surge in Imports

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Germany’s federal cabinet has approved new measures to curb the online sale of cannabis, following a sharp rise in imports since the country legalised recreational use of the drug in April 2024. The amendment will mandate in-person consultations with doctors for cannabis prescriptions and prohibit mail-order deliveries, limiting distribution to physical pharmacies to ensure proper patient counselling.

Health Minister Nina Warken said the move was prompted by a “massive increase in cannabis imports” and the growing trend of online prescriptions issued without direct medical contact. Government data showed that cannabis imports in the first half of 2025 surged by more than 400% compared to the same period last year, though prescriptions through the social health insurance system only rose slightly.

While Warken assured that patients with genuine medical needs would still have access to the drug, concerns have been raised about rural patients. A spokesperson for Jiroo, a Berlin pharmacy specialising in cannabis, told Reuters the restrictions could make access difficult for people living in remote areas with limited healthcare services.

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Far-Right Bloc Enters German Parliament in Historic Election Result

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The largest far-right contingent in Germany’s Bundestag since World War II is set to take office as the new parliament convenes, following the February 23 election. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured 152 seats, doubling its previous representation and achieving the strongest performance by a far-right party in decades. Economic struggles, ongoing recession, and concerns over Russia’s war in Ukraine contributed to the AfD’s surge, narrowing the gap between them and the election-winning conservatives.

The new AfD lawmakers include controversial figures such as Maximilian Krah, who was previously excluded from the European Parliament over pro-SS remarks, and Mathias Helferich, who once referred to himself as “the friendly face of the Nazis.” The party, originally founded as an anti-euro movement, has shifted further to the nationalist right, advocating anti-immigration policies, support for Russia, and the dissolution of the European Union. Despite falling short of the 25% needed to set up parliamentary inquiries, its strong presence will influence political discourse and challenge the mainstream parties.

As the political landscape shifts, conservative leader Friedrich Merz faces challenges in forming a coalition with the Social Democrats and the Greens, with recent compromises weakening his standing. Meanwhile, the traditional political firewall against cooperation with the AfD is showing cracks, with court rulings ensuring their participation in parliamentary activities. While many lawmakers continue to shun AfD members, others argue that engagement, rather than isolation, is necessary in Germany’s evolving political climate.

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Suspect Arrested in Berlin Holocaust Memorial Stabbing Ahead of German Election

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Berlin police have arrested a suspect in connection with the stabbing of a man at the city’s Holocaust memorial on Friday evening. The victim suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, though his life was not in danger. Authorities have not disclosed the identity or motive of the attacker, and forensic investigations are ongoing at the site, which is located near the U.S. Embassy.

The attack, which occurred just two days before a pivotal national election, has heightened tensions in Germany amid a series of recent violent incidents. Witnesses reported seeing the two men approach each other before the sudden stabbing, and trauma counseling was provided at the scene. The area surrounding the 4.7-acre memorial, which commemorates the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, was sealed off as police continued their investigation.

This incident comes as Germany grapples with security concerns during a contentious election season, with polls suggesting a far-right party could secure second place for the first time in nearly a century. Recent violent attacks, including a fatal stabbing involving an Afghan immigrant and a deadly car ramming at a Christmas market, have fueled debates over immigration and national security. Earlier on Friday, an 18-year-old ethnic Chechen was also arrested for allegedly planning an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin.

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Germany’s Habeck and Scholz Criticize Trump’s Divisive Tactics and Greenland Proposal

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Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has accused US President-elect Donald Trump of attempting to undermine European unity, calling for a united European front in response. Speaking to Deutschlandfunk, Habeck claimed Trump’s past efforts to strike individual deals with European nations sought to fracture EU solidarity and warned of potential trade policy attacks targeting German products. Highlighting Germany’s significant trade surplus with the US, he stressed the importance of EU backing in trade matters.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz also criticized Trump for reigniting controversial remarks about acquiring Greenland and Canada, asserting that borders must not be altered by force. During a news conference, Scholz emphasized the principle of border inviolability as foundational to international peace. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed Trump’s renewed proposal for Greenland, reaffirming the territory’s autonomy. Trump’s comments on his Truth Social platform, advocating for Greenland to join the US, have drawn sharp rebukes from European leaders.

Adding to the strain in transatlantic ties, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a Trump ally, publicly criticized German leaders and voiced support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Scholz responded by reaffirming Germany’s commitment to NATO and Western values, emphasizing the importance of border security. As Trump’s inauguration approaches, European leaders brace for renewed challenges to relations with the US.

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