The World Health Organization expressed "grave concern" Thursday over the rising pace of coronavirus infections in Europe, as&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;registered its biggest daily increase since the start of the pandemic.

"We are, once again, at the epicentre," WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told a press conference.

He warned that according to "one reliable projection" the current trajectory would mean "another half a million Covid-19 deaths" by February.

Alarm bells were ringing especially in&nbsp;Germany, the European Union's most populous country, where the number of new cases over the past 24 hours soared to almost 34,000 on Thursday&nbsp;an all-time high, according to the Robert Koch Institute health agency.

Meanwhile Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve the use of Merck's anti-Covid pill to treat patients suffering from mild to moderate coronavirus infections.

Health minister Sajid Javid called the molnupiravir antiviral "a game-changer for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed".

German Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Wednesday that the country of 83 million people was facing a "massive" pandemic among the unvaccinated and that intensive care beds were starting to run out in some regions.

"Corona is once again raging with full force, the fourth wave is hitting us hard," the top-selling Bild daily wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-once-again-at-epicentre-of-coronavirus-pandemic-who-426681">Also read |&nbsp;Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

The WHO's Europe region which spans&nbsp;53 countries and territories and includes several nations in Central Asia&nbsp;has now recorded 78 million cases since Covid-19 first emerged in China in late 2019.

Five million deaths&nbsp;

The cumulative figure exceeds that of South East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean region, the Western Pacific, and Africa combined, the organisation said.

The "current pace of transmission" across the European region "is of grave concern", Kluge said.

The WHO blamed a combination of insufficient vaccination rates and a relaxation of preventative measures like mask-wearing and social distancing.

Hospital admission rates were higher in countries where fewer people are vaccinated, Kluge added.

The number of new daily cases has been rising for nearly six consecutive weeks in Europe and the number of new deaths per day has been rising for just over seven consecutive weeks, with about 250,000 cases and 3,600 deaths per day, according to official national data compiled by AFP.&nbsp;

Over the past seven days, Russia -- a country with strong vaccine hesitancy&nbsp;has led the rise with 8,162 deaths, followed by Ukraine with 3,819 deaths and Romania with 3,100 deaths, according to the data.

Globally, the virus has killed more than five million people, while the overall caseload has topped 248 million.

The WHO estimates however that the pandemic's real toll could be two to three times higher than official records, due to the excess mortality that is directly and indirectly linked to Covid-19.

Although&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;was initially praised for its handling of the pandemic, the rapid uptick in cases and sluggish uptake in vaccinations among adults has led to mounting concern.

Despite vaccines being widely available, just 66.9 percent of the German population was fully inoculated as of Thursday, according to official figures.&nbsp;

The Covid surge comes as&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;is in political limbo following a September general election, with the winning Social Democrats hoping to have a new coalition government in place by early December.

Curbs on unvaccinated

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel has called&nbsp;Germany's coronavirus trend "very worrying" and signalled that she is in favour of tougher curbs targeting the unvaccinated.

Health Minister Spahn too has called for stricter measures, including more thorough checks at establishments and events where people need to show proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid or a recent negative test before entering.

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He has also urged all vaccinated Germans to get booster shots after six months.

Under&nbsp;Germany's federal system, regional states have significant powers to decide their own Covid approach, at times leading to a confusing patchwork of regulations.

The health ministers of all 16 states were holding crisis talks on Thursday and Friday to discuss the next steps.

The states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Bavaria have already agreed or introduced harsher restrictions, including rules excluding the unvaccinated from bars or nightclubs.

The World Health Organization expressed "grave concern" Thursday over the rising pace of coronavirus infections in Europe, as Germany registered its biggest daily increase since the start of the pandemic.

The World Health Organization expressed "grave concern" Thursday over the rising pace of coronavirus infections in Europe, as Germany registered its biggest daily increase since the start of the pandemic. "We are, once again, at the epicentre," WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told a press conference. He warned that according to "one reliable projection" the current trajectory would mean "another half a million Covid-19 deaths" by February. Alarm bells were ringing especially in Germany, the European Union's most populous country, where the number of new cases over the past 24 hours soared to almost 34,000 on Thursday an all-time high, according to the Robert Koch Institute health agency. Meanwhile Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve the use of Merck's anti-Covid pill to treat patients suffering from mild to moderate coronavirus infections. Health minister Sajid Javid called the molnupiravir antiviral "a game-changer for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed". German Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Wednesday that the country of 83 million people was facing a "massive" pandemic among the unvaccinated and that intensive care beds were starting to run out in some regions. "Corona is once again raging with full force, the fourth wave is hitting us hard," the top-selling Bild daily wrote. Also read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO The WHO's Europe region which spans 53 countries and territories and includes several nations in Central Asia has now recorded 78 million cases since Covid-19 first emerged in China in late 2019. Five million deaths The cumulative figure exceeds that of South East Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean region, the Western Pacific, and Africa combined, the organisation said. The "current pace of transmission" across the European region "is of grave concern", Kluge said. The WHO blamed a combination of insufficient vaccination rates and a relaxation of preventative measures like mask-wearing and social distancing. Hospital admission rates were higher in countries where fewer people are vaccinated, Kluge added. The number of new daily cases has been rising for nearly six consecutive weeks in Europe and the number of new deaths per day has been rising for just over seven consecutive weeks, with about 250,000 cases and 3,600 deaths per day, according to official national data compiled by AFP. Over the past seven days, Russia -- a country with strong vaccine hesitancy has led the rise with 8,162 deaths, followed by Ukraine with 3,819 deaths and Romania with 3,100 deaths, according to the data. Globally, the virus has killed more than five million people, while the overall caseload has topped 248 million. The WHO estimates however that the pandemic's real toll could be two to three times higher than official records, due to the excess mortality that is directly and indirectly linked to Covid-19. Although Germany was initially praised for its handling of the pandemic, the rapid uptick in cases and sluggish uptake in vaccinations among adults has led to mounting concern. Despite vaccines being widely available, just 66.9 percent of the German population was fully inoculated as of Thursday, according to official figures. The Covid surge comes as Germany is in political limbo following a September general election, with the winning Social Democrats hoping to have a new coalition government in place by early December. Curbs on unvaccinated Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel has called Germany's coronavirus trend "very worrying" and signalled that she is in favour of tougher curbs targeting the unvaccinated. Health Minister Spahn too has called for stricter measures, including more thorough checks at establishments and events where people need to show proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid or a recent negative test before entering. Also read | Australia: 36-year-old man charged for abduction of Cleo Smith He has also urged all vaccinated Germans to get booster shots after six months. Under Germany's federal system, regional states have significant powers to decide their own Covid approach, at times leading to a confusing patchwork of regulations. The health ministers of all 16 states were holding crisis talks on Thursday and Friday to discuss the next steps. The states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Saxony and Bavaria have already agreed or introduced harsher restrictions, including rules excluding the unvaccinated from bars or nightclubs.

'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany

The German labour union has called on employees to strike at seven different Amazon locations in a protracted pay dispute.

German union calls for strikes at seven Amazon sites

Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel urged other countries to put a price on carbon emissions, which are the main cause of global warming.

COP26 climate summit: Angela Merkel urges for 'concrete measures' to tackle crisis

Germany's COVID-19 incidence rate surged to over 150 for the first time since May on Monday, prompting concerns of a rampant fourth wave as the country wrestles with a change of government.

The number of new infections per 100,000 people over the past seven days reached 154.8, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) health agency -- up from 110.1 a week ago.

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Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for swift measures to tackle the "very worrying" trend, stressing that Germany could not afford to wait until a new government is in place.

The country recorded 9,658 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours on Monday and 23 deaths, according to the RKI.

Merkel is due to step down as German leader after 16 years in power after an election in September narrowly won by the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

The SPD is currently in talks with two other parties and aiming to form a ruling coalition by early December, leaving the country in a kind of political limbo as it confronts the surge in new cases.&nbsp;

Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, the likely next chancellor, said Sunday that Germany must do what was necessary "to ensure that we keep the pandemic under control".

But he also said that in a country where a large number of people have been vaccinated, it is no longer possible to respond with strict measures such as lockdowns.&nbsp;

Vaccine hesitancy&nbsp;

Germany has also so far ruled out compulsory vaccinations, instead focusing on encouraging as many people as possible to get the jab voluntarily.

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But its vaccination campaign has ground to a halt with just 66.7 percent of the population fully inoculated.

In a Forsa survey carried out for the health ministry and published Thursday, 65 percent of unvaccinated respondents declared there was "no way" they would take a covid jab and 23 percent were "reluctant".

At the same time, health professionals have reported a new influx of infected people into hospital, mostly unvaccinated.

Hospitalisations due to covid have increased by 40 percent in the past week, according to the German Hospital Society, with intensive care admissions up by 15 percent.

Merkel on Sunday admitted being "very saddened" that as many as three million Germans aged over 60 have still not had the jab.

She also told the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper that increasing hospital admissions "worry me a lot" and "should worry all of us", saying that "a certain recklessness" had taken hold in Germany.

Care home outbreaks

The country has also seen a resurgence of outbreaks in care homes, including a home in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state where 66 of the 83 residents were infected and 14 died.

Only six percent of the residents were not vaccinated, but around one in three of the staff had not received the jab.&nbsp;

A similar case was reported in Norderstedt, near Hamburg, where 68 out of 76 residents in a care home came down with the virus.&nbsp;

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Outgoing Health Minister Jens Spahn has called for a meeting between the government and the leaders of Germany's 16 states to devise a common policy to encourage those already vaccinated to get booster jabs.

Merkel on Sunday also stressed her support for boosters, saying Germany "must do something" to ensure they are widely available.

A spokeswoman for the chancellor on Monday said the government was "ready for talks" with the regional leaders.

Under Germany's federal system, each state can ultimately decide its own COVID-19 response, a system that has previously slowed down pandemic planning and led to a patchwork of different approaches.

As has often been the case during the pandemic, the highest incidence rates are currently seen in the former communist East Germany, such as in Thuringia (314.9) and Saxony (291.6).

Germany's COVID-19 incidence rate surged to over 150 for the first time since May on Monday, prompting concerns of a rampant fourth wave as the country wrestles with a change of government.

Germany's COVID-19 incidence rate surged to over 150 for the first time since May on Monday, prompting concerns of a rampant fourth wave as the country wrestles with a change of government. The number of new infections per 100,000 people over the past seven days reached 154.8, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) health agency -- up from 110.1 a week ago. Also Read | Australia is reopening to the world after 590 days of restricted access Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for swift measures to tackle the "very worrying" trend, stressing that Germany could not afford to wait until a new government is in place. The country recorded 9,658 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours on Monday and 23 deaths, according to the RKI. Merkel is due to step down as German leader after 16 years in power after an election in September narrowly won by the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). The SPD is currently in talks with two other parties and aiming to form a ruling coalition by early December, leaving the country in a kind of political limbo as it confronts the surge in new cases. Social Democrat Olaf Scholz, the likely next chancellor, said Sunday that Germany must do what was necessary "to ensure that we keep the pandemic under control". But he also said that in a country where a large number of people have been vaccinated, it is no longer possible to respond with strict measures such as lockdowns. Vaccine hesitancy Germany has also so far ruled out compulsory vaccinations, instead focusing on encouraging as many people as possible to get the jab voluntarily. Also Read | Pressure grows on G-20 nations to get COVID-19 vaccines to the poor But its vaccination campaign has ground to a halt with just 66.7 percent of the population fully inoculated. In a Forsa survey carried out for the health ministry and published Thursday, 65 percent of unvaccinated respondents declared there was "no way" they would take a covid jab and 23 percent were "reluctant". At the same time, health professionals have reported a new influx of infected people into hospital, mostly unvaccinated. Hospitalisations due to covid have increased by 40 percent in the past week, according to the German Hospital Society, with intensive care admissions up by 15 percent. Merkel on Sunday admitted being "very saddened" that as many as three million Germans aged over 60 have still not had the jab. She also told the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper that increasing hospital admissions "worry me a lot" and "should worry all of us", saying that "a certain recklessness" had taken hold in Germany. Care home outbreaks The country has also seen a resurgence of outbreaks in care homes, including a home in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state where 66 of the 83 residents were infected and 14 died. Only six percent of the residents were not vaccinated, but around one in three of the staff had not received the jab. A similar case was reported in Norderstedt, near Hamburg, where 68 out of 76 residents in a care home came down with the virus. Also Read | White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tests positive for COVID-19 in US Outgoing Health Minister Jens Spahn has called for a meeting between the government and the leaders of Germany's 16 states to devise a common policy to encourage those already vaccinated to get booster jabs. Merkel on Sunday also stressed her support for boosters, saying Germany "must do something" to ensure they are widely available. A spokeswoman for the chancellor on Monday said the government was "ready for talks" with the regional leaders. Under Germany's federal system, each state can ultimately decide its own COVID-19 response, a system that has previously slowed down pandemic planning and led to a patchwork of different approaches. As has often been the case during the pandemic, the highest incidence rates are currently seen in the former communist East Germany, such as in Thuringia (314.9) and Saxony (291.6).

Soaring Covid rate prompts fresh fears in Germany

Workers at some Amazon warehouses in Germany began strike action on Monday, services sector union Verdi said, as part of a long-running battle with the US&nbsp;tech giant over better pay and working conditions.

Germany is Amazon's biggest market after the United States, and Verdi, a leading services sector union, has been organising strikes on and off at Amazon sites in the country since 2013 to protest low pay and poor conditions.

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Verdi said it had called the latest strike to demand a rise in pay in line with agreements the union has reached with the broader retail and mail-order industries in Germany.

The union said workers at three Amazon warehouses in the states of Saxony and Hesse would go out on strike on Monday, coinciding with All Saints&nbsp;Day, which is a public holiday in some German states.

It would not say how many workers joined the strike on Monday.

Workers at four more locations will go on strike starting in the early hours of Tuesday, and the strikes would last from between 24 hours to up to three days, Verdi said.

"It is unacceptable that a multinational corporation worth billions and (which) makes money hand over fist still refuses to give employees the wage increases that other companies in the industry pay," Verdi representative Orhan Akman said in a statement.

Verdi said it wants Amazon to recognise the collective agreements in the retail and mail order industry, and to reach an agreement over fair working conditions with Amazon.

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Amazon said in a statement that it offers excellent pay, benefits and career opportunities.

The company said it was not seeing any impact on its clients as a result of the strike.

Earlier this year, Amazon said it would guarantee an entry-level wage at its German warehouses of 12 euros&nbsp;an hour from July, which will rise to at least 12.50 euros per hour from autumn 2022.

Amazon's wages exceed Germany's current minimum wage of 9.60 euros per hour. Germany's minimum wage, however, is set rise to 12 euros if an agreement is reached by the next coalition government of the centre-left Social

Workers at some Amazon warehouses in Germany began strike action on Monday, services sector union Verdi said, as part of a long-running battle with the US tech giant over better pay and working conditions.

Workers at some Amazon warehouses in Germany began strike action on Monday, services sector union Verdi said, as part of a long-running battle with the US tech giant over better pay and working conditions. Germany is Amazon's biggest market after the United States, and Verdi, a leading services sector union, has been organising strikes on and off at Amazon sites in the country since 2013 to protest low pay and poor conditions. Also Read | US lawmakers protest more intensely than Indians over Amazon's rigging in India: CAIT Verdi said it had called the latest strike to demand a rise in pay in line with agreements the union has reached with the broader retail and mail-order industries in Germany. The union said workers at three Amazon warehouses in the states of Saxony and Hesse would go out on strike on Monday, coinciding with All Saints Day, which is a public holiday in some German states. It would not say how many workers joined the strike on Monday. Workers at four more locations will go on strike starting in the early hours of Tuesday, and the strikes would last from between 24 hours to up to three days, Verdi said. "It is unacceptable that a multinational corporation worth billions and (which) makes money hand over fist still refuses to give employees the wage increases that other companies in the industry pay," Verdi representative Orhan Akman said in a statement. Verdi said it wants Amazon to recognise the collective agreements in the retail and mail order industry, and to reach an agreement over fair working conditions with Amazon. Also Read | Man dubbed as 'real-life Mowgli' now wears a suit and goes to school Amazon said in a statement that it offers excellent pay, benefits and career opportunities. The company said it was not seeing any impact on its clients as a result of the strike. Earlier this year, Amazon said it would guarantee an entry-level wage at its German warehouses of 12 euros an hour from July, which will rise to at least 12.50 euros per hour from autumn 2022. Amazon's wages exceed Germany's current minimum wage of 9.60 euros per hour. Germany's minimum wage, however, is set rise to 12 euros if an agreement is reached by the next coalition government of the centre-left Social

Amazon workers in Germany to strike for better pay

Germany's new&nbsp;parliament&nbsp;met for the first time Tuesday after last month's election, ushering in a post-Merkel era that is more feminine, younger and more ethnically diverse.

After 31 years as an MP, outgoing Angela Merkel left the front-row seat reserved for the government and took her place above the chamber in an "honorary loge" as caretaker chancellor until a new government is in place.

The centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) won the most votes in the September 26 general election, and their candidate Olaf Scholz is working to cobble together a ruling coalition by early December.

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While the top job is expected to pass from&nbsp;Germany's first woman chancellor to a man, the Bundestag lower house's powerful speaker Wolfgang Schaeuble handed off the gavel to Baerbel Bas, only the third woman to hold the post.

Schaeuble, 79, who has served in&nbsp;parliament&nbsp;for half a century, told deputies that democracies stood a chance against "authoritarian" competitors only by ensuring that "diversity of points of view" in their societies are respected.

"We can disagree," he said, but conflicts must be fought "fairly, according to rules". German political debate has become increasingly "intolerant of differences", he added.

The SPD chose Bas, 53, a relatively low-profile MP, in part to ensure that one of&nbsp;Germany's top political jobs is still held by a woman after Merkel leaves the stage.

"It does our country good for citizens to see that a woman is in charge at the heart of our democracy," she said, while regretting that so few women have held the job in the post-war era.&nbsp;

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The new Bundestag, which has grown to a record 736 seats, boasts a number of firsts for the EU's most populous country, although activists say it still has far to go to reflect the nation's growing diversity.

'Need diversity'

The first-ever black woman MP, Eritrean-born Awet Tesfaiesus, 47, took her seat among the Greens' parliamentary group.

Having arrived in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;at age 10, Tesfaiesus went on to become a lawyer defending the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers.

"We need diversity in this country," she told AFP. "We need people who have been victims of racism to be better represented."

Tesfaiesus said she wants to fight the "label of foreigner" that sticks to many despite having a German passport.&nbsp;

"You feel latent racism everywhere," she said.&nbsp;

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Tesfaiesus told German media she launched her political career after an attack near Frankfurt in February 2020, when a far-right gunman shot dead nine people at a shisha bar and a cafe.

She joins Senegalese-born Karamba Diaby -- a Social Democrat who was until now&nbsp;Germany's only black MP -- and his party colleague Armand Zorn, who emigrated from Cameroon at the age of 12 and just won his first direct mandate in&nbsp;parliament.

The number of foreign-born deputies or those with at least one parent born abroad has climbed to 83, making up 11.3 percent of the Bundestag, up from 8.2 percent in the last assembly.

'Far behind'

The new class of deputies also marks a generational watershed, with a quarter of lawmakers aged under 40.

But despite its broader representation, the Bundestag, with its overwhelmingly white and male make-up, still lags in mirroring the modern face of&nbsp;Germany.

Deniz Nergiz, head of the Federal Council on Immigration and Integration, which promotes political participation in immigrant communities, told AFP that&nbsp;parliament&nbsp;was still "far behind" the 26 percent of people of foreign origin "across German society".

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germanys-chancellor-angela-merkel-embarks-on-farewell-tour-to-israel-419750/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The same is true for women, even after 16 years with Merkel as the first woman chancellor at the helm. They make up only 24 percent of deputies, up from 20 percent previously.

The gender figures vary widely among the parties, with the Greens boasting a 59 percent majority of women, including two transgender women.&nbsp;

By contrast, the far-right Alternative for&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;counts only 13 percent of women among its ranks.

Germany's new parliament met for the first time Tuesday after last month's election, ushering in a post-Merkel era that is more feminine, younger and more ethnically diverse.

Germany's new parliament met for the first time Tuesday after last month's election, ushering in a post-Merkel era that is more feminine, younger and more ethnically diverse. After 31 years as an MP, outgoing Angela Merkel left the front-row seat reserved for the government and took her place above the chamber in an "honorary loge" as caretaker chancellor until a new government is in place. The centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) won the most votes in the September 26 general election, and their candidate Olaf Scholz is working to cobble together a ruling coalition by early December. Also read | Germany 'concerned' after Erdogan threatens to expel foreign envoys While the top job is expected to pass from Germany's first woman chancellor to a man, the Bundestag lower house's powerful speaker Wolfgang Schaeuble handed off the gavel to Baerbel Bas, only the third woman to hold the post. Schaeuble, 79, who has served in parliament for half a century, told deputies that democracies stood a chance against "authoritarian" competitors only by ensuring that "diversity of points of view" in their societies are respected. "We can disagree," he said, but conflicts must be fought "fairly, according to rules". German political debate has become increasingly "intolerant of differences", he added. The SPD chose Bas, 53, a relatively low-profile MP, in part to ensure that one of Germany's top political jobs is still held by a woman after Merkel leaves the stage. "It does our country good for citizens to see that a woman is in charge at the heart of our democracy," she said, while regretting that so few women have held the job in the post-war era. Also read | Germany: Olaf Scholz inches closer to succeed Merkel as chancellor The new Bundestag, which has grown to a record 736 seats, boasts a number of firsts for the EU's most populous country, although activists say it still has far to go to reflect the nation's growing diversity. 'Need diversity' The first-ever black woman MP, Eritrean-born Awet Tesfaiesus, 47, took her seat among the Greens' parliamentary group. Having arrived in Germany at age 10, Tesfaiesus went on to become a lawyer defending the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers. "We need diversity in this country," she told AFP. "We need people who have been victims of racism to be better represented." Tesfaiesus said she wants to fight the "label of foreigner" that sticks to many despite having a German passport. "You feel latent racism everywhere," she said. Also read | German elections: SPD registers narrow victory over CDU-CSU alliance; coalition likely Tesfaiesus told German media she launched her political career after an attack near Frankfurt in February 2020, when a far-right gunman shot dead nine people at a shisha bar and a cafe. She joins Senegalese-born Karamba Diaby -- a Social Democrat who was until now Germany's only black MP -- and his party colleague Armand Zorn, who emigrated from Cameroon at the age of 12 and just won his first direct mandate in parliament. The number of foreign-born deputies or those with at least one parent born abroad has climbed to 83, making up 11.3 percent of the Bundestag, up from 8.2 percent in the last assembly. 'Far behind' The new class of deputies also marks a generational watershed, with a quarter of lawmakers aged under 40. But despite its broader representation, the Bundestag, with its overwhelmingly white and male make-up, still lags in mirroring the modern face of Germany. Deniz Nergiz, head of the Federal Council on Immigration and Integration, which promotes political participation in immigrant communities, told AFP that parliament was still "far behind" the 26 percent of people of foreign origin "across German society". Watch | Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel embarks on farewell tour to Israel The same is true for women, even after 16 years with Merkel as the first woman chancellor at the helm. They make up only 24 percent of deputies, up from 20 percent previously. The gender figures vary widely among the parties, with the Greens boasting a 59 percent majority of women, including two transgender women. By contrast, the far-right Alternative for Germany counts only 13 percent of women among its ranks.

Post-Merkel, a diverse German parliament debuts, but critics demand more

Around 100 proud beard wearers took part in the contest. Competitors from around the world converged in Germany to be a part of a Beard Olympics and German Beard Championships for a facial hair face-off.

Beard Olympics and moustache championship takes place in Germany

In Germany, an ISIS bride who had joined Islamic State in Iraq has been sentenced to ten years in prison for her role in the death of a five-year-old Yazidi girl, who died of thirst, enslaved by terrorists.

ISIS bride convicted in German court for letting 5-year-old Yazidi girl die of thirst

Joshua&nbsp;Kimmich&nbsp;revealed Saturday he has opted not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 due to "personal concerns" even with Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann currently in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus.

According to German daily Bild,&nbsp;Kimmich&nbsp;is one of five Bayern players who are unvaccinated.

After playing in Saturday's 4-0 win at home to Hoffenheim which kept Bayern top of the Bundesliga, the 26-year-old told Sky he has reservations about getting vaccinated, "especially with regard to the lack of long-term studies".

Even though he has so far refused,&nbsp;Kimmich&nbsp;said he is "aware of his responsibility. I stick to the hygiene measures and get tested every two or three days.

"Everyone should make the decision for themselves."

The German international insists he is not opposed to people getting the vaccination and with numbers of new cases currently rising in Germany, it is "very possible that I will get vaccinated soon.

"It's simply that I still have some concerns."

Before kick-off on Saturday, Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic said the club "recommends its employees get vaccinated in order so everyone can have a more normal life again.

"But in Germany one doesn't have to be vaccinated.&nbsp;Every employee can decide for himself."

Nagelsmann missed Saturday's match after testing positive for Covid-19 in midweek.

Alongside the head coach,&nbsp;Kimmich's team-mates Serge Gnabry, Thomas Mueller, Benjamin Pavard and Leon Goretzka have all tested positive for the virus over the last 12 months.

Currently, Bayern pay to have their players tested regularly.

"If that was no longer the case, I would do it (pay) myself," said&nbsp;Kimmich.

Last year,&nbsp;Kimmich&nbsp;and Goretzka founded the initiative "We kick Corona" by donating money to support vaccination campaigns and charitable projects.

Germany's seven-day coronavirus incidence rate reached 100 infections per 100,000 people on Saturday for the first time since May, following a surge in cases in recent weeks.

More than 66 percent of the population of Germany, a country of some 83 million people, is fully vaccinated against Covid.

Joshua Kimmich revealed Saturday he has opted not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 due to "personal concerns" even with Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann currently in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Joshua Kimmich revealed Saturday he has opted not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 due to "personal concerns" even with Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann currently in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus. According to German daily Bild, Kimmich is one of five Bayern players who are unvaccinated. After playing in Saturday's 4-0 win at home to Hoffenheim which kept Bayern top of the Bundesliga, the 26-year-old told Sky he has reservations about getting vaccinated, "especially with regard to the lack of long-term studies". Even though he has so far refused, Kimmich said he is "aware of his responsibility. I stick to the hygiene measures and get tested every two or three days. "Everyone should make the decision for themselves." The German international insists he is not opposed to people getting the vaccination and with numbers of new cases currently rising in Germany, it is "very possible that I will get vaccinated soon. "It's simply that I still have some concerns." Before kick-off on Saturday, Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic said the club "recommends its employees get vaccinated in order so everyone can have a more normal life again. "But in Germany one doesn't have to be vaccinated. Every employee can decide for himself." Nagelsmann missed Saturday's match after testing positive for Covid-19 in midweek. Alongside the head coach, Kimmich's team-mates Serge Gnabry, Thomas Mueller, Benjamin Pavard and Leon Goretzka have all tested positive for the virus over the last 12 months. Currently, Bayern pay to have their players tested regularly. "If that was no longer the case, I would do it (pay) myself," said Kimmich. Last year, Kimmich and Goretzka founded the initiative "We kick Corona" by donating money to support vaccination campaigns and charitable projects. Germany's seven-day coronavirus incidence rate reached 100 infections per 100,000 people on Saturday for the first time since May, following a surge in cases in recent weeks. More than 66 percent of the population of Germany, a country of some 83 million people, is fully vaccinated against Covid.

Bayern star Joshua Kimmich unvaccinated due to 'personal concerns'

German Health Minister has said that restrictions like mask-wearing and limited indoor activities for unvaccinated people will stay until next spring. However, he also said that Germany will be able to cope with the crisis better due to the vaccination drive being carried out in the country.

Germany: Highest Covid cases on Saturday since mid-May

With winter looming, German health officials and experts have raised concerns about a new surge of coronavirus cases.

Infections in Germany,&nbsp;about 12,775 daily on average have increased by 57% in the past two weeks, according to a New York Times database. Deaths on average in the same period have increased by 11%.

The surge comes as many European countries slowly lifted lockdowns this summer after months of restrictions driven by variants of the virus.

A national state of emergency is currently in place in Germany,&nbsp;which allows the government to unilaterally impose restrictions on states but it is set to expire Nov. 25. The order can be extended by a parliamentary vote, and some state officials are advocating that lawmakers do so.

Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, though, noted the country’s high vaccination rate and said the emergency order could be lifted while other rules are put in place, like mask mandates and proof of vaccination. About 70% of the population has received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-adopt-emergency-mode-as-new-covid-outbreaks-are-predicted-experts-423645">Also read |&nbsp;China should adopt 'emergency mode' as new Covid outbreaks are predicted: Experts</a>

Pandemic restrictions in Germany are set individually by the country’s 16 states, and in general, masks are required on public transportation and in stores. Since August, visitors to Germany have had to show proof of vaccination, recovery from infection or a recent negative test for entry to indoor public spaces, like restaurants, salons and gyms. Clubs in Berlin, famed for its hedonistic nightlife, reopened last month for the first time in over a year.

Cases are also resurging in Britain, where the government lifted virtually all restrictions in July, arguing that a rapid vaccination rollout had helped mitigate rates of hospitalisations and deaths. In June, the country reported as few as 2,000 cases a day, but last week, it reported an average of 47,209 new cases a day, a 30% increase over the average two weeks ago.

The British government has rejected calls for an immediate reintroduction of some coronavirus restrictions, but it has also said that rules could be put back in place if a vaccine booster program did little to stop the spread. Health experts are cautioning that while vaccines do help prevent serious illness, they alone will not be enough to stop the upward trajectory of infection rates.

“Relying on the vaccine program to kind of take care of the problem is not going be a solution, I’m afraid,” Adam Finn, a member of a government vaccination committee, told the BBC on Sunday. “It is really time that everyone got the message that they can’t just go back to normal if they want to avoid further restrictions later in the year.”

With winter looming, German health officials and experts have raised concerns about a new surge of coronavirus cases. Infections in Germany, about 12,775 daily on average have increased by 57% in the past two weeks, according to a New York Times database.

With winter looming, German health officials and experts have raised concerns about a new surge of coronavirus cases. Infections in Germany, about 12,775 daily on average have increased by 57% in the past two weeks, according to a New York Times database. Deaths on average in the same period have increased by 11%. The surge comes as many European countries slowly lifted lockdowns this summer after months of restrictions driven by variants of the virus. A national state of emergency is currently in place in Germany, which allows the government to unilaterally impose restrictions on states but it is set to expire Nov. 25. The order can be extended by a parliamentary vote, and some state officials are advocating that lawmakers do so. Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, though, noted the country’s high vaccination rate and said the emergency order could be lifted while other rules are put in place, like mask mandates and proof of vaccination. About 70% of the population has received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Also read | China should adopt 'emergency mode' as new Covid outbreaks are predicted: Experts Pandemic restrictions in Germany are set individually by the country’s 16 states, and in general, masks are required on public transportation and in stores. Since August, visitors to Germany have had to show proof of vaccination, recovery from infection or a recent negative test for entry to indoor public spaces, like restaurants, salons and gyms. Clubs in Berlin, famed for its hedonistic nightlife, reopened last month for the first time in over a year. Cases are also resurging in Britain, where the government lifted virtually all restrictions in July, arguing that a rapid vaccination rollout had helped mitigate rates of hospitalisations and deaths. In June, the country reported as few as 2,000 cases a day, but last week, it reported an average of 47,209 new cases a day, a 30% increase over the average two weeks ago. The British government has rejected calls for an immediate reintroduction of some coronavirus restrictions, but it has also said that rules could be put back in place if a vaccine booster program did little to stop the spread. Health experts are cautioning that while vaccines do help prevent serious illness, they alone will not be enough to stop the upward trajectory of infection rates. “Relying on the vaccine program to kind of take care of the problem is not going be a solution, I’m afraid,” Adam Finn, a member of a government vaccination committee, told the BBC on Sunday. “It is really time that everyone got the message that they can’t just go back to normal if they want to avoid further restrictions later in the year.”

Cases grow in Germany, as a national state of emergency is set to expire next month

European leaders gave German Chancellor Angela Merkel a standing ovation on Friday at her last EU summit after a 16-year reign that helped guide the bloc through major ups and downs.

Merkel has attended a staggering 107 EU summits that saw some of the biggest twists in recent European history, including the eurozone debt crisis, an inflow of Syrian refugees, Brexit and the creation of the bloc's landmark pandemic recovery fund.

"You are a monument," the host of the summits, European Council chief Charles Michel, said in the closed-door homage to her, according to an official in the room.

An EU summit "without Angela is like Rome without the Vatican or Paris without the Eiffel tower", Michel said.

He handed Merkel a perspex cube with a globe described as an "artistic impression" of the Europa building where EU summits are hosted.

Merkel, with characteristic lack of fanfare, thanked journalists for their long nights at summits, though she offered a strong word of caution on the challenges still facing the EU, and her German successor.

"I am leaving the European Union, as far as my responsibility of Federal Chancellor is concerned, at a point in time where there is cause for concern," she said.&nbsp;

"We have overcome many crises but we have a series of unresolved problems," she said, citing disputes on migration, the bloc's economy, and rule of law in EU countries.

'Compromise machine'

Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel called Merkel a "compromise machine" who "usually did find something to unite us" through marathon intra-EU negotiations.&nbsp;

"Europe will miss her," he said.

Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg called her "undoubtedly a great European" and "a haven of peace, if you like, within the European Union".&nbsp;

Her departure, he said, "will leave a hole".

Her final summit, a two-day affair in Brussels, leaned once again on her soft-power skills to ease a burning row with Poland over its rejection of the EU's legal order -- something many believed could be the next existential threat to the European Union.

On the first day on Thursday, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki defended an October 7 ruling by his country's Constitutional Court that said EU law applied only in specific, limited areas and Polish law prevailed in all others.

Merkel, backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, spent her considerable political capital pushing for dialogue with Poland, warning against a "cascade" of legal fights if the issue blew up into challenges before the European Court of Justice.

The message was received by the European Commission and countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium that wanted a more muscular slapdown of Poland, which they accuse of rolling back democratic norms by removing judicial independence in national courts.

'Principles over self-interest'

East-west feuding has been a recurrent theme in Merkel's long tenure.

Her mediating role reflected both the status of Germany as the EU's economic powerhouse with sway over many of the former Soviet-bloc countries, whose membership to the union tilted the political balance away from Paris and towards Berlin.

It also spoke to Merkel's family background, of German and Polish descent, as well as her tactic of discreet behind-the-scenes nudging while conflicting forces exhausted themselves, before stepping in with a compromise solution.

In a surprise video posted on Twitter by the EU's Michel, former US president Barack Obama praised Merkel as one of those rare leaders who put "their principles above any narrow definition of self interest".

"It is a testament to your character that you'd probably enjoy working at a meeting of the European Council more than being the centre of attention like this," he added.

Germany is still in the process of putting together a government to replace Merkel's, following September elections she did not contest that saw her conservative CDU party handed a drubbing.&nbsp;

European leaders gave German Chancellor Angela Merkel a standing ovation on Friday at her last EU summit after a 16-year reign that helped guide the bloc through major ups and downs.

European leaders gave German Chancellor Angela Merkel a standing ovation on Friday at her last EU summit after a 16-year reign that helped guide the bloc through major ups and downs. Merkel has attended a staggering 107 EU summits that saw some of the biggest twists in recent European history, including the eurozone debt crisis, an inflow of Syrian refugees, Brexit and the creation of the bloc's landmark pandemic recovery fund. "You are a monument," the host of the summits, European Council chief Charles Michel, said in the closed-door homage to her, according to an official in the room. An EU summit "without Angela is like Rome without the Vatican or Paris without the Eiffel tower", Michel said. He handed Merkel a perspex cube with a globe described as an "artistic impression" of the Europa building where EU summits are hosted. Merkel, with characteristic lack of fanfare, thanked journalists for their long nights at summits, though she offered a strong word of caution on the challenges still facing the EU, and her German successor. "I am leaving the European Union, as far as my responsibility of Federal Chancellor is concerned, at a point in time where there is cause for concern," she said. "We have overcome many crises but we have a series of unresolved problems," she said, citing disputes on migration, the bloc's economy, and rule of law in EU countries. 'Compromise machine' Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel called Merkel a "compromise machine" who "usually did find something to unite us" through marathon intra-EU negotiations. "Europe will miss her," he said. Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg called her "undoubtedly a great European" and "a haven of peace, if you like, within the European Union". Her departure, he said, "will leave a hole". Her final summit, a two-day affair in Brussels, leaned once again on her soft-power skills to ease a burning row with Poland over its rejection of the EU's legal order -- something many believed could be the next existential threat to the European Union. On the first day on Thursday, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki defended an October 7 ruling by his country's Constitutional Court that said EU law applied only in specific, limited areas and Polish law prevailed in all others. Merkel, backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, spent her considerable political capital pushing for dialogue with Poland, warning against a "cascade" of legal fights if the issue blew up into challenges before the European Court of Justice. The message was received by the European Commission and countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium that wanted a more muscular slapdown of Poland, which they accuse of rolling back democratic norms by removing judicial independence in national courts. 'Principles over self-interest' East-west feuding has been a recurrent theme in Merkel's long tenure. Her mediating role reflected both the status of Germany as the EU's economic powerhouse with sway over many of the former Soviet-bloc countries, whose membership to the union tilted the political balance away from Paris and towards Berlin. It also spoke to Merkel's family background, of German and Polish descent, as well as her tactic of discreet behind-the-scenes nudging while conflicting forces exhausted themselves, before stepping in with a compromise solution. In a surprise video posted on Twitter by the EU's Michel, former US president Barack Obama praised Merkel as one of those rare leaders who put "their principles above any narrow definition of self interest". "It is a testament to your character that you'd probably enjoy working at a meeting of the European Council more than being the centre of attention like this," he added. Germany is still in the process of putting together a government to replace Merkel's, following September elections she did not contest that saw her conservative CDU party handed a drubbing.

'Monument' Merkel gets standing ovation at last EU summit

The three parties on track to form Germany’s next coalition government are in favour of lowering the voting age to 16.

The Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) have signed up to reduce the age at which Germans can vote. This comes in as an acknowledgement that an increasingly politicised generation of young people must have a future say in running the country.

A poll ahead of the German elections last month showed that the young people were frustrated at not being able to vote in an election that was dominated by people over 50s. They also made up the majority, which is &nbsp;60 per cent, of voters.&nbsp;

Only 14 per cent of voters were under 30, compared with 19 per cent in 1961.

The Greens and FDP, who secured the most votes among younger people, have been highlighting the importance of capturing their political enthusiasm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hypersonic-weapons-test-suffers-setback-due-to-rocket-failure-422943">Also read |&nbsp;US hypersonic weapons test suffers setback due to rocket failure</a>

A poll carried out by the environmental NGO Nabu revealed that 59 per cent of voters over 65 said before the September 26 vote they would not be considering younger voters’ climate protection interests when they cast their ballots.

Also, in a mock election of more than 200,000 young people across Germany, which was held just over a week before the real election, 21 per cent of participants voted for the Greens.&nbsp;

This was seen as an indication the party might have received considerably more than the 15 per cent it secured in the official election had the voting age been lower.

Thorsten Frei, the deputy leader of the CDU parliamentary group, said that he was “very sceptical” about lowering the age.&nbsp;

“Without a doubt, there are many young people with a strong political interest,” he told the newspaper Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. “But rights and obligations have to be in alignment, and the question is whether it makes sense, on the one hand, to be able to partake in decision-making about the future of our country, but on the other, to not be able to sign a mobile phone contract or watch certain films at the cinema without parental consent? I have my doubts.”

The three parties on track to form Germany’s next coalition government are in favour of lowering the voting age to 16. The Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) have signed up to reduce the age at which Germans can vote.

The three parties on track to form Germany’s next coalition government are in favour of lowering the voting age to 16. The Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) have signed up to reduce the age at which Germans can vote. This comes in as an acknowledgement that an increasingly politicised generation of young people must have a future say in running the country. A poll ahead of the German elections last month showed that the young people were frustrated at not being able to vote in an election that was dominated by people over 50s. They also made up the majority, which is 60 per cent, of voters. Only 14 per cent of voters were under 30, compared with 19 per cent in 1961. The Greens and FDP, who secured the most votes among younger people, have been highlighting the importance of capturing their political enthusiasm. Also read | US hypersonic weapons test suffers setback due to rocket failure A poll carried out by the environmental NGO Nabu revealed that 59 per cent of voters over 65 said before the September 26 vote they would not be considering younger voters’ climate protection interests when they cast their ballots. Also, in a mock election of more than 200,000 young people across Germany, which was held just over a week before the real election, 21 per cent of participants voted for the Greens. This was seen as an indication the party might have received considerably more than the 15 per cent it secured in the official election had the voting age been lower. Thorsten Frei, the deputy leader of the CDU parliamentary group, said that he was “very sceptical” about lowering the age. “Without a doubt, there are many young people with a strong political interest,” he told the newspaper Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. “But rights and obligations have to be in alignment, and the question is whether it makes sense, on the one hand, to be able to partake in decision-making about the future of our country, but on the other, to not be able to sign a mobile phone contract or watch certain films at the cinema without parental consent? I have my doubts.”

German coalition in favour of lowering voting age to 16

Police on Wednesday arrested two former German soldiers accused of trying to form a "terrorist" paramilitary group to fight in Yemen's civil war, prosecutors said.

The two men had taken steps to "create a paramilitary unit of 100 to 150 men" composed of former police officers and soldiers, the Karlsruhe federal prosecutor's office in southwestern Germany said.

Named as Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A., both German citizens, the pair are accused of starting to plan their "terrorist organisation" in early 2021.

Arend-Adolf G., who was allegedly responsible for recruitment, had already contacted at least seven people in the hope of bringing them on board "to intervene in the civil war in Yemen", the prosecutors said.

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Both suspects were "aware that the unit they were to command would inevitably have to carry out acts of killing during their mission" and also expected civilians to be killed and injured, the prosecutors said.&nbsp;

They had been hoping to secure funds from Saudi Arabia for the project and were intending to pay members a monthly wage of 40,000 euros ($46,000) each.

Achim A. is accused of contacting representatives of the Saudi Arabian government and trying to arrange a meeting, but the prosecutors said the government did not respond.&nbsp;

Far-right networks&nbsp;

A Saudi-led coalition has for years been fighting against so-called Huthi rebels in Yemen, who are in turn supported by Iran.

The two suspects had wanted their unit to help bring peace in Yemen by pushing for negotiations between the Huthi rebels and the Yemeni government, according to the prosecutors.

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The pair were arrested by special forces on Wednesday morning in the southwestern district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald and in Munich. They later appeared before a judge and were remanded in custody.

The suspects' flats were searched in Munich and in the southern German district of Calw, and further properties were also searched in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria.

A spokesman for the defence ministry said it was "working very closely with the investigating authorities" on the case, but the two suspects were "not members of the Bundeswehr in the last quarter of a century".&nbsp;

The German government has been worried for years about some soldiers going rogue, especially those connected to far-right groups.

In early October, the army suspended soldiers in its ceremonial guard over suspicion of sexual aggression and sympathy with the far-right.

The elite KSK commando force was partially dissolved in 2020 after munitions were stolen and members were seen performing a Hitler salute at a party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-says-he-is-guilty-of-nothing-as-committee-accuses-him-of-crimes-against-humanity-422462" hreflang="en">Bolsonaro says he is 'guilty of nothing' as committee accuses him of 'crimes against humanity'</a>

In May, the trial opened of a German soldier who allegedly plotted to attack prominent politicians while posing as a Syrian refugee -- a bizarre case further fuelling concerns over right-wing extremism.

And in June, a platoon stationed in Lithuania was recalled after accusations of racist and anti-Semitic behaviour.

Security company&nbsp;

According to Der Spiegel weekly, Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A. were paratroopers in the Bundeswehr and had later both worked for the controversial security company Asgaard.&nbsp;

Asgaard, which actively recruits former members of special units of the Bundeswehr and the police, came under fire in 2010 for signing a contract with opponents of the Somali government.

It also faced controversy in 2020 after German media exposed it as the hub of a wide-ranging right-wing extremist network.

The Yemeni civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The seven years of conflict have killed or injured at least 10,000 children, according to the United Nations children's fund, UNICEF.

Police on Wednesday arrested two former German soldiers accused of trying to form a "terrorist" paramilitary group to fight in Yemen's civil war, prosecutors said.

Police on Wednesday arrested two former German soldiers accused of trying to form a "terrorist" paramilitary group to fight in Yemen's civil war, prosecutors said. The two men had taken steps to "create a paramilitary unit of 100 to 150 men" composed of former police officers and soldiers, the Karlsruhe federal prosecutor's office in southwestern Germany said. Named as Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A., both German citizens, the pair are accused of starting to plan their "terrorist organisation" in early 2021. Arend-Adolf G., who was allegedly responsible for recruitment, had already contacted at least seven people in the hope of bringing them on board "to intervene in the civil war in Yemen", the prosecutors said. Also read | Police detain 11 across Europe in mafia probe of luxury cars Both suspects were "aware that the unit they were to command would inevitably have to carry out acts of killing during their mission" and also expected civilians to be killed and injured, the prosecutors said. They had been hoping to secure funds from Saudi Arabia for the project and were intending to pay members a monthly wage of 40,000 euros ($46,000) each. Achim A. is accused of contacting representatives of the Saudi Arabian government and trying to arrange a meeting, but the prosecutors said the government did not respond. Far-right networks A Saudi-led coalition has for years been fighting against so-called Huthi rebels in Yemen, who are in turn supported by Iran. The two suspects had wanted their unit to help bring peace in Yemen by pushing for negotiations between the Huthi rebels and the Yemeni government, according to the prosecutors. Also read | Probability of war with China within one year very low: Taiwan security official The pair were arrested by special forces on Wednesday morning in the southwestern district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald and in Munich. They later appeared before a judge and were remanded in custody. The suspects' flats were searched in Munich and in the southern German district of Calw, and further properties were also searched in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. A spokesman for the defence ministry said it was "working very closely with the investigating authorities" on the case, but the two suspects were "not members of the Bundeswehr in the last quarter of a century". The German government has been worried for years about some soldiers going rogue, especially those connected to far-right groups. In early October, the army suspended soldiers in its ceremonial guard over suspicion of sexual aggression and sympathy with the far-right. The elite KSK commando force was partially dissolved in 2020 after munitions were stolen and members were seen performing a Hitler salute at a party. Also read | Bolsonaro says he is 'guilty of nothing' as committee accuses him of 'crimes against humanity' In May, the trial opened of a German soldier who allegedly plotted to attack prominent politicians while posing as a Syrian refugee -- a bizarre case further fuelling concerns over right-wing extremism. And in June, a platoon stationed in Lithuania was recalled after accusations of racist and anti-Semitic behaviour. Security company According to Der Spiegel weekly, Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A. were paratroopers in the Bundeswehr and had later both worked for the controversial security company Asgaard. Asgaard, which actively recruits former members of special units of the Bundeswehr and the police, came under fire in 2010 for signing a contract with opponents of the Somali government. It also faced controversy in 2020 after German media exposed it as the hub of a wide-ranging right-wing extremist network. The Yemeni civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The seven years of conflict have killed or injured at least 10,000 children, according to the United Nations children's fund, UNICEF.

Yemen unrest: Two ex-soldiers arrested in Germany over bid to form paramilitary unit

Olaf Scholz, leader of Germany's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) moved a step closer to succeed Angela Merkel as the next chancellor of Germany. On Friday, he announced that he and the leaders of two smaller parties aimed to move into formal coalition talks.

SPD, the Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) said that exploratory talks into government formation had been constructive and this allowed them to establish a roadmap for more formal negotiations.

Party committees are expected to vote over the weekend on whether to do so, bringing them closer to forming a "traffic light" alliance after their respective red, yellow and green colours - the first of its kind at federal level.

The Greens and FDP have kept open the option of turning to the conservatives, who have been in office for the last 16 years, should talks with the SPD stumble. The conservatives criticised the road map as contradictory and short on detail.

But polls show most voters back a traffic light alliance and even senior conservatives have given up on leading the next government.

"A new start is possible with the three parties coming together," Scholz told a news conference.

"If parties that are so different could agree on joint challenges and solutions, then that would be an opportunity to unite our country," said FDP leader Christian Lindner.

It offered "a chance that a possible coalition could be greater than the sum of its parts," he added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Olaf Scholz, leader of Germany's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) moved a step closer to succeed Angela Merkel as the next chancellor of Germany. On Friday, he announced that he and the leaders of two smaller parties aimed to move into formal coalition talks.

Olaf Scholz, leader of Germany's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) moved a step closer to succeed Angela Merkel as the next chancellor of Germany. On Friday, he announced that he and the leaders of two smaller parties aimed to move into formal coalition talks. SPD, the Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) said that exploratory talks into government formation had been constructive and this allowed them to establish a roadmap for more formal negotiations. Party committees are expected to vote over the weekend on whether to do so, bringing them closer to forming a "traffic light" alliance after their respective red, yellow and green colours - the first of its kind at federal level. The Greens and FDP have kept open the option of turning to the conservatives, who have been in office for the last 16 years, should talks with the SPD stumble. The conservatives criticised the road map as contradictory and short on detail. But polls show most voters back a traffic light alliance and even senior conservatives have given up on leading the next government. "A new start is possible with the three parties coming together," Scholz told a news conference. "If parties that are so different could agree on joint challenges and solutions, then that would be an opportunity to unite our country," said FDP leader Christian Lindner. It offered "a chance that a possible coalition could be greater than the sum of its parts," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany: Olaf Scholz inches closer to succeed Merkel as chancellor

The German government will drastically lower a levy on electricity consumption from 2022 to help ease the burden on consumers as Europe battles soaring energy prices, grid operators announced Friday.

The Renewable Energy Act (EEG) surcharge, used to fund the expansion of solar and wind plants, will fall by more than 40 percent to 3.723 cents ($0.043) per kilowatt hour from January 1, according to a statement by 50Herz Transmission, Amprion, TenneT TSO and TransnetBW.

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It is the largest reduction yet since the green levy was introduced in 2000 to help Europe's top economy transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources.

Economy Minister Peter Altmaier described the reduction as "good news for German consumers" and repeated a call for the EEG surcharge to be phased out "as soon as possible to relieve the current situation."

The shortfall will be offset by higher government subsidies, partly thanks to a tax on carbon emissions introduced at the start of 2021.

Germans already have the highest electricity bills in the European Union and as winter approaches, pressure is growing for the government to help mitigate a looming energy price crisis.

Gas prices have surged in Europe in recent months as demand has soared with economies emerging from their Covid-induced restrictions. Stocks were also left low after a long, cold winter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-eu-finland-lobbies-to-get-nuclear-energy-labelled-as-sustainable-source-420124">In EU, Finland lobbies to get nuclear energy labelled as sustainable source &nbsp;</a>

Wholesale natural gas prices, the lead indicator for overall energy prices in Europe, have more than tripled this year. Oil and coal prices have also jumped, fuelling fears over spiking inflation and rocketing energy bills.&nbsp;

EU leaders will discuss the energy issue at a summit next week.&nbsp;

The European Commission has proposed that member states temporarily reduce taxes and levies to help lower energy bills for households and businesses.

In France, the government has pledged to block any further price increases for gas and electricity until April.

The German government will drastically lower a levy on electricity consumption from 2022 to help ease the burden on consumers as Europe battles soaring energy prices, grid operators announced Friday.

The German government will drastically lower a levy on electricity consumption from 2022 to help ease the burden on consumers as Europe battles soaring energy prices, grid operators announced Friday. The Renewable Energy Act (EEG) surcharge, used to fund the expansion of solar and wind plants, will fall by more than 40 percent to 3.723 cents ($0.043) per kilowatt hour from January 1, according to a statement by 50Herz Transmission, Amprion, TenneT TSO and TransnetBW. Also Read | What’s behind the energy crunch in Britain and Europe It is the largest reduction yet since the green levy was introduced in 2000 to help Europe's top economy transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources. Economy Minister Peter Altmaier described the reduction as "good news for German consumers" and repeated a call for the EEG surcharge to be phased out "as soon as possible to relieve the current situation." The shortfall will be offset by higher government subsidies, partly thanks to a tax on carbon emissions introduced at the start of 2021. Germans already have the highest electricity bills in the European Union and as winter approaches, pressure is growing for the government to help mitigate a looming energy price crisis. Gas prices have surged in Europe in recent months as demand has soared with economies emerging from their Covid-induced restrictions. Stocks were also left low after a long, cold winter. Also Read | In EU, Finland lobbies to get nuclear energy labelled as sustainable source Wholesale natural gas prices, the lead indicator for overall energy prices in Europe, have more than tripled this year. Oil and coal prices have also jumped, fuelling fears over spiking inflation and rocketing energy bills. EU leaders will discuss the energy issue at a summit next week. The European Commission has proposed that member states temporarily reduce taxes and levies to help lower energy bills for households and businesses. In France, the government has pledged to block any further price increases for gas and electricity until April.

Germany cuts electricity levy as energy prices surge

Zugspitze is Germany's highest peak, it is also one of the country's last remaining glacier. Of lately, it has become a symbol of climate change, the mighty peak is shrinking amid rising temperatures.

Germany's highest peak Zugspitze is disappearing

Berliner Festspiele a major arts organization in the city, has taken the unused building and transformed it in to a large art space, with installations, performances and talks.

Modernist building hosts art exhibit in Germany

Germany's lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, was in Israel on Sunday for a final visit before leaving office.

The visit caps Merkel's 16 years in office, which were characterised by near unwavering support for Israel.

Following an inconclusive election last month, her eventual successor&nbsp;to be determined in lengthy coalition talks &nbsp;is not expected to change that approach.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-to-embark-on-three-nation-tour-today-419537">&nbsp;Jaishankar to embark on three-nation tour today</a>

Merkel was scheduled Sunday to meet Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, and visit Israel's national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem.

Her talks with Israeli leaders were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program.

Germany was a leading player in the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran. The deal fell apart after then-President Donald Trump, with Israel's support, withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The Biden administration has been trying to revive that deal over Israeli objections.

Israel was formed in the wake of the Holocaust in 1948 and the two countries only established diplomatic ties in 1965.

But over the decades those ties have warmed.

Germany is Israel's largest trading partner in Europe and the German government has provided solid support to Israel during wars and diplomatic crises.

Merkel and the former Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had a sometimes cool relationship due to poor personal chemistry and differences over the Palestinian issue.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-special-envoy-of-pm-modi-mos-lekhi-to-visit-serbia-to-attend-60th-anniversary-of-nam-419538">As special envoy of PM Modi, MoS Lekhi to visit Serbia to attend 60th anniversary of NAM</a>

Germany supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, while both Netanyahu and Bennett do not.

But these differences have done little to upset the broader partnership.

There were no plans for Merkel to meet Netanyahu, who is now Israel's opposition leader.

She also was not scheduled to meet with Palestinian leaders in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Oded Eran, a former Israeli ambassador to the European Union, said that Merkel built on the policies of her predecessors.

He cited security cooperations, defending Israel against criticism in the European Union and a tough stance on antisemitism.

Her predecessors started, but she certainly cemented it and brought it to new levels,&nbsp;he said.

Merkel was scheduled to visit in August, but the trip was postponed after the crisis in Afghanistan in which the Taliban seized power. She then delayed the visit until after last month's German election.

She now remains in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, a process that could take weeks or even months.

Merkel's Christian Democratic Union had its worst-ever election result in the September 26 vote and the party's leader, Armin Laschet, has indicated his willingness to step aside.

The center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats held their first round of talks Thursday on forming a possible coalition. If they succeed, the alliance would send Merkel's bloc into opposition.

Germany's lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, was in Israel on Sunday for a final visit before leaving office. The visit caps Merkel's 16 years in office, which were characterised by near unwavering support for Israel.

Germany's lame-duck chancellor, Angela Merkel, was in Israel on Sunday for a final visit before leaving office. The visit caps Merkel's 16 years in office, which were characterised by near unwavering support for Israel. Following an inconclusive election last month, her eventual successor to be determined in lengthy coalition talks is not expected to change that approach. Also Read | Jaishankar to embark on three-nation tour today Merkel was scheduled Sunday to meet Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, and visit Israel's national Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. Her talks with Israeli leaders were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program. Germany was a leading player in the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran. The deal fell apart after then-President Donald Trump, with Israel's support, withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The Biden administration has been trying to revive that deal over Israeli objections. Israel was formed in the wake of the Holocaust in 1948 and the two countries only established diplomatic ties in 1965. But over the decades those ties have warmed. Germany is Israel's largest trading partner in Europe and the German government has provided solid support to Israel during wars and diplomatic crises. Merkel and the former Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had a sometimes cool relationship due to poor personal chemistry and differences over the Palestinian issue. Also Read | As special envoy of PM Modi, MoS Lekhi to visit Serbia to attend 60th anniversary of NAM Germany supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, while both Netanyahu and Bennett do not. But these differences have done little to upset the broader partnership. There were no plans for Merkel to meet Netanyahu, who is now Israel's opposition leader. She also was not scheduled to meet with Palestinian leaders in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Oded Eran, a former Israeli ambassador to the European Union, said that Merkel built on the policies of her predecessors. He cited security cooperations, defending Israel against criticism in the European Union and a tough stance on antisemitism. Her predecessors started, but she certainly cemented it and brought it to new levels, he said. Merkel was scheduled to visit in August, but the trip was postponed after the crisis in Afghanistan in which the Taliban seized power. She then delayed the visit until after last month's German election. She now remains in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed, a process that could take weeks or even months. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union had its worst-ever election result in the September 26 vote and the party's leader, Armin Laschet, has indicated his willingness to step aside. The center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats held their first round of talks Thursday on forming a possible coalition. If they succeed, the alliance would send Merkel's bloc into opposition.

Germany's Merkel to meet Israeli leaders in farewell visit

Poland has a legal and moral obligation as a member of the European Union to abide by the bloc's rules completely and unconditionally, the foreign ministers of France and Germany said in a joint statement issued on Friday.

Poland's Constitutional Tribunal on Thursday ruled that parts of EU law are incompatible with the Polish constitution, undermining the legal pillar on which the 27-nation EU stands, and prompting expressions of dismay from politicians across Europe.

The joint statement, issued by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his German counterpart Heiko Maas, said the ministers had taken note of the Polish tribunal's decision.

"We remind you that membership of the European Union goes hand in hand with a complete and unconditional adherence to common values and rules," the statement said.

"It is incumbent on each member, and therefore of course on Poland, which occupies a vital place within the European Union, to respect these rules and values."

"This is not simply a moral commitment. It is also a legal commitment," the statement said.

Poland has a legal and moral obligation as a member of the European Union to abide by the bloc's rules completely and unconditionally, the foreign ministers of France and Germany said in a joint statement issued on Friday.

Poland has a legal and moral obligation as a member of the European Union to abide by the bloc's rules completely and unconditionally, the foreign ministers of France and Germany said in a joint statement issued on Friday. Poland's Constitutional Tribunal on Thursday ruled that parts of EU law are incompatible with the Polish constitution, undermining the legal pillar on which the 27-nation EU stands, and prompting expressions of dismay from politicians across Europe. The joint statement, issued by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his German counterpart Heiko Maas, said the ministers had taken note of the Polish tribunal's decision. "We remind you that membership of the European Union goes hand in hand with a complete and unconditional adherence to common values and rules," the statement said. "It is incumbent on each member, and therefore of course on Poland, which occupies a vital place within the European Union, to respect these rules and values." "This is not simply a moral commitment. It is also a legal commitment," the statement said.

France and Germany say Poland must abide by EU rules

With a big wheel, music and an appearance by CEO Elon Musk, Tesla is pulling out all the stops Saturday to win over opponents of the electric carmaker's controversial new "gigafactory" near Berlin.

Construction had begun under an exceptional procedure granted by authorities two years ago, but opposition from locals over environmental concerns has held up final approval for the plant.

Some local residents have planned a counter-protest at the site on the day of the event to underline their opposition to the factory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Musk</a> will personally drop by at the "Giga Fest", where the company has laid on a big wheel, electronic music and vegetarian food trucks -- an event conceived in the image of Berlin, Europe's party capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-made-electric-vehicles-should-not-be-sold-in-india-modi-govt-to-elon-musk-419293">China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk</a>

Thousands are expected to attend, with locals given priority for the guest list announced by Tesla earlier this week.

Devotees of the brand shared their excitement ahead of the day on social media. "Gigafest here we come. Thrilled to see what they have built in my hometown," tweeted one.

The project's opponents are planning another form of welcome. "Let's take to the streets against this environmental devastation pushed by politicians," is the call made by protest organisers.

Environmental concerns

Tesla began construction at the site in Gruenheide in 2019 after receiving preliminary approval under a special procedure.&nbsp;

But local authorities are still in the process of evaluating the environmental impact of the factory, despite construction being all but done.

The special treatment afforded to the company angered some residents, who are concerned about the impact the plant could have on the water supply and biodiversity.

Supported by NGOs, opponents have sent letters, held protests and gone to court to try and stop the project.

"Tesla has to follow the same procedures as other companies," the Green League campaign group said recently.

Last year, work at the Tesla site was temporarily stopped after NGOs requested an injunction to protect the nearby natural habitat of endangered species of lizards and snakes while they were in their winter slumber.

A residents' consultation, part of the approval process, is due to close on October 14.

Until the survey is completed, final approval cannot be given and production at the factory will not be allowed to begin.

Even then, the state environment ministry in Brandenburg, where the plant is located, told AFP "no date has been fixed" for this authorisation.&nbsp;

Despite local resistance, construction has been completed in double-quick time, replacing a swathe of pine forest with an enormous concrete-paved expanse accessed via "Tesla Road".

Economies of scale

About 500,000 cars a year should roll off the line at the factory just outside Berlin, Tesla's first production location in Europe.

On the same 300-hectare plot, Musk also plans to build "the world's biggest battery factory".

The site will equally boast the "world's largest die-casting machine", said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research in Germany.&nbsp;

The custom-built equipment should allow Tesla to "significantly reduce production costs", Dudenhoeffer said.

In the event that the factory is not approved, the carmaker will be compelled to dismantle the entire works at its own cost.

Such a turn of events is, however, "unlikely", said Dudenhoeffer, since the project has considerable "political support".

"Every political party is in favour," the car expert explained, while noting that changes to the factory facade could be requested by authorities, delaying the beginning of production further.

First planned for July 2021, the start has already been pushed back to the end of this year as a result of the company's administrative troubles.&nbsp;

Tesla was "irritated" by these setbacks, as it wrote in an open letter in March, in which the company called for a "reform" of Germany's planning procedures.&nbsp;

Despite the country's reputation for efficiency, major infrastructure projects are often slowed down by excess bureaucracy.

Berlin's new international airport opened in October 2020 eight years later than first planned, while the construction of a new train station in Stuttgart is not yet finished, having begun in 2010.

With a big wheel, music and an appearance by CEO Elon Musk, Tesla is pulling out all the stops Saturday to win over opponents of the electric carmaker's controversial new "gigafactory" near Berlin.

With a big wheel, music and an appearance by CEO Elon Musk, Tesla is pulling out all the stops Saturday to win over opponents of the electric carmaker's controversial new "gigafactory" near Berlin. Construction had begun under an exceptional procedure granted by authorities two years ago, but opposition from locals over environmental concerns has held up final approval for the plant. Some local residents have planned a counter-protest at the site on the day of the event to underline their opposition to the factory. Musk will personally drop by at the "Giga Fest", where the company has laid on a big wheel, electronic music and vegetarian food trucks -- an event conceived in the image of Berlin, Europe's party capital. Also read | China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk Thousands are expected to attend, with locals given priority for the guest list announced by Tesla earlier this week. Devotees of the brand shared their excitement ahead of the day on social media. "Gigafest here we come. Thrilled to see what they have built in my hometown," tweeted one. The project's opponents are planning another form of welcome. "Let's take to the streets against this environmental devastation pushed by politicians," is the call made by protest organisers. Environmental concerns Tesla began construction at the site in Gruenheide in 2019 after receiving preliminary approval under a special procedure. But local authorities are still in the process of evaluating the environmental impact of the factory, despite construction being all but done. The special treatment afforded to the company angered some residents, who are concerned about the impact the plant could have on the water supply and biodiversity. Supported by NGOs, opponents have sent letters, held protests and gone to court to try and stop the project. "Tesla has to follow the same procedures as other companies," the Green League campaign group said recently. Last year, work at the Tesla site was temporarily stopped after NGOs requested an injunction to protect the nearby natural habitat of endangered species of lizards and snakes while they were in their winter slumber. A residents' consultation, part of the approval process, is due to close on October 14. Until the survey is completed, final approval cannot be given and production at the factory will not be allowed to begin. Even then, the state environment ministry in Brandenburg, where the plant is located, told AFP "no date has been fixed" for this authorisation. Despite local resistance, construction has been completed in double-quick time, replacing a swathe of pine forest with an enormous concrete-paved expanse accessed via "Tesla Road". Economies of scale About 500,000 cars a year should roll off the line at the factory just outside Berlin, Tesla's first production location in Europe. On the same 300-hectare plot, Musk also plans to build "the world's biggest battery factory". The site will equally boast the "world's largest die-casting machine", said Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research in Germany. The custom-built equipment should allow Tesla to "significantly reduce production costs", Dudenhoeffer said. In the event that the factory is not approved, the carmaker will be compelled to dismantle the entire works at its own cost. Such a turn of events is, however, "unlikely", said Dudenhoeffer, since the project has considerable "political support". "Every political party is in favour," the car expert explained, while noting that changes to the factory facade could be requested by authorities, delaying the beginning of production further. First planned for July 2021, the start has already been pushed back to the end of this year as a result of the company's administrative troubles. Tesla was "irritated" by these setbacks, as it wrote in an open letter in March, in which the company called for a "reform" of Germany's planning procedures. Despite the country's reputation for efficiency, major infrastructure projects are often slowed down by excess bureaucracy. Berlin's new international airport opened in October 2020 eight years later than first planned, while the construction of a new train station in Stuttgart is not yet finished, having begun in 2010.

Tesla holds 'Giga Fest' at disputed German factory

A 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard will go on trial this Tuesday for Nazi-era crimes. He would be the oldest person to be tried for such crimes.

The 100-year-old, identified only as Josef S, is accused of 'knowingly and willingly" assisting the murder of 3518 prisoners at Sachsenhausen camp in Oranienburg, north of Berlin, between 1942 and 1945.

Allegations against him include aiding and abetting the "execution by firing squad of Soviet prisoners of war in 1942" and the murder of prisoners "using the poisonous gas Zyklon B".

German prosecutors are racing to bring the last surviving Nazi perpetrators to justice, and have in recent years increasingly focused attention on lower-ranking Nazi staff.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-sets-aside-an-additional-767-million-for-holocaust-survivors-officials-say-418657">Germany sets aside an additional $767 million for holocaust survivors, officials say</a>

The case comes a week after a 96-year-old German woman, who was a secretary in a Nazi death camp, dramatically fled before the start of her trial but was caught several hours later.&nbsp;

She too has been charged with complicity in murder. Her trial resumes on October 19.

Despite his advanced age, a medical assessment in August found that Josef S. was fit to stand trial, although hearings at the Neuruppin court will be limited to a couple of hours a day.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-bid-to-combat-climate-impact-cut-carbon-footprint-germany-unveils-synthetic-kerosene-plant-418471">In a bid to combat climate impact, cut carbon footprint, Germany unveils synthetic kerosene plant</a>

The proceedings are expected to last until early January.

"He is not accused of having shot anyone in particular but of having contributed to these acts through his work as a guard and of having been aware such killings were happening at the camp," a court spokeswoman said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-a-farewell-visit-germanys-merkel-to-head-to-israel-next-week-418261">For a farewell visit, Germany's Merkel to head to Israel next week &nbsp;</a>

Thomas Walther, a lawyer representing several camp survivors and victims' relatives in the case, said that even 76 years after the end of World War II, trials like these were necessary to hold perpetrators to account.

"There's no expiry date on justice," he told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard will go on trial this Tuesday for Nazi-era crimes. He would be the oldest person to be tried for such crimes.

A 100-year-old former Nazi concentration camp guard will go on trial this Tuesday for Nazi-era crimes. He would be the oldest person to be tried for such crimes. The 100-year-old, identified only as Josef S, is accused of 'knowingly and willingly" assisting the murder of 3518 prisoners at Sachsenhausen camp in Oranienburg, north of Berlin, between 1942 and 1945. Allegations against him include aiding and abetting the "execution by firing squad of Soviet prisoners of war in 1942" and the murder of prisoners "using the poisonous gas Zyklon B". German prosecutors are racing to bring the last surviving Nazi perpetrators to justice, and have in recent years increasingly focused attention on lower-ranking Nazi staff. Also Read | Germany sets aside an additional $767 million for holocaust survivors, officials say The case comes a week after a 96-year-old German woman, who was a secretary in a Nazi death camp, dramatically fled before the start of her trial but was caught several hours later. She too has been charged with complicity in murder. Her trial resumes on October 19. Despite his advanced age, a medical assessment in August found that Josef S. was fit to stand trial, although hearings at the Neuruppin court will be limited to a couple of hours a day. Also Read | In a bid to combat climate impact, cut carbon footprint, Germany unveils synthetic kerosene plant The proceedings are expected to last until early January. "He is not accused of having shot anyone in particular but of having contributed to these acts through his work as a guard and of having been aware such killings were happening at the camp," a court spokeswoman said. Also Read | For a farewell visit, Germany's Merkel to head to Israel next week Thomas Walther, a lawyer representing several camp survivors and victims' relatives in the case, said that even 76 years after the end of World War II, trials like these were necessary to hold perpetrators to account. "There's no expiry date on justice," he told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany: 100-year-old to go on trial for Nazi-era crimes

It’s been 80 years since Nazi soldiers laid siege to the city of Leningrad, Russia, during the Holocaust, but memories of the desperation haven’t faded away for Russian Jews like Raisa Khusid, who survived starvation and bombardment.

Food was so scarce, Khusid recalled in an interview on Tuesday, that one of her uncles fed them unimaginable things.

"He was actually going outside after the rain to collect the worms," Khusid said through a Russian translator on Zoom.

But only now is Khusid, 80, who lives outside Chicago, eligible for pension benefits from the German government as part of an expanding restitution programme for Holocaust survivors, according to the main negotiating organisation for those benefits.

The group, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, better known as the Claims Conference, announced on Wednesday that it had secured an additional $767 million in benefits for Holocaust survivors. During the past 70 years, the group estimated, the German government has set aside more than $90 billion for Holocaust survivors.

As part of the most recent negotiations, the Claims Conference said, Germany agreed to recognise the extreme suffering of Russian Jews who had endured the more than two-year Nazi siege of Leningrad, which is now St. Petersburg, Russia.

Because Leningrad had not been occupied by the Nazis during the blockade, which lasted from September 1941 to January 1944, previous restitution efforts met with resistance from German officials, said Stuart E. Eizenstat, the group’s longtime top negotiator.

"They said, ‘Look, well, the non-Jews suffered,’" Eizenstat, a former U.S. ambassador to the European Union, said on Tuesday. "We were able to show them Nazi flyers that were dropped that said that Jews were the cause of the siege. So their level of persecution was greater. "

Eizenstat, an expert adviser to the State Department on Holocaust issues under three presidents, commended German negotiators for budging on the issue.

"We’re dealing with people who weren’t even born during the Holocaust," he said, adding that negotiators used Zoom because of the coronavirus pandemic. "They still recognise their moral responsibility."

The German Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.

Khusid, who moved to the United States in 2010 to live near her daughter, is one of an estimated 4,500 Holocaust survivors who lived through the siege of Leningrad and is eligible for a pension, the Claims Conference said.

The pensions will pay an annual benefit of about $5,200 or 4,500 euros, according to the group.

An additional 2,000 Holocaust survivors who hid in France and Romania will also qualify for the pensions, which the organisation said had an income-eligibility scale — the annual limits are about $52,000, 45,000 euros in Europe and 168,000 shekels in Israel.

Eizenstat, a former US deputy treasury secretary, pointed out that more than 50% of all Holocaust survivors were currently living at or near poverty levels. The problem, he said, is particularly acute in Eastern Europe.

"Many of these have no extended families," he said. "These pensions are lifelines. We’re talking about people who have to choose between food and medicine and some socialization."

An additional 1,700 survivors who were children during the Holocaust and had previously received one-time payments will now be eligible for supplemental hardship payments of 1,200 euros in 2021 and 2022, the organisation said.

The subject of reparations for Holocaust survivors has been a contentious one in both Germany and Israel over the decades, Eizenstat said, noting that Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, acknowledged that the country was responsible for the crimes of the Nazis.

"This was an unprecedented statement by a defeated power in a war," Eizenstat said, "to say that they felt responsible for the civilian deaths caused by the defeated power."

But in a 1952 speech to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, Menachem Begin, a future prime minister, sharply criticised the reparations and questioned how survivors could accept money from people with blood on their hands.

Eizenstat didn’t see it that way.

"I believe that what Germany has done is truly historic and inspiring," he said. "No one could have possibly imagined how far Germany would have come in recognition of its past."

Khusid said that her grandparents had been buried alive by the Nazis and that an uncle who had once brought the family food had starved to death. Another uncle came from Moscow to help her family escape, which involved crossing the treacherous Lake Ladoga during the winter.

"A lot of times, people were shot while trying to escape," she said, adding that her grandchildren struggle to understand her ordeal when she explains it to them.

Eizenstat said that his work was not done, however.

"People say, ‘How long are you going to do this?’" he said. "Well, Hitler wanted a 1,000-year Reich. The least we can do is until the last survivor breathes their last breath."

It’s been 80 years since Nazi soldiers laid siege to the city of Leningrad, Russia, during the Holocaust, but memories of the desperation haven’t faded away for Russian Jews like Raisa Khusid, who survived starvation and bombardment.

It’s been 80 years since Nazi soldiers laid siege to the city of Leningrad, Russia, during the Holocaust, but memories of the desperation haven’t faded away for Russian Jews like Raisa Khusid, who survived starvation and bombardment. Food was so scarce, Khusid recalled in an interview on Tuesday, that one of her uncles fed them unimaginable things. "He was actually going outside after the rain to collect the worms," Khusid said through a Russian translator on Zoom. But only now is Khusid, 80, who lives outside Chicago, eligible for pension benefits from the German government as part of an expanding restitution programme for Holocaust survivors, according to the main negotiating organisation for those benefits. The group, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, better known as the Claims Conference, announced on Wednesday that it had secured an additional $767 million in benefits for Holocaust survivors. During the past 70 years, the group estimated, the German government has set aside more than $90 billion for Holocaust survivors. As part of the most recent negotiations, the Claims Conference said, Germany agreed to recognise the extreme suffering of Russian Jews who had endured the more than two-year Nazi siege of Leningrad, which is now St. Petersburg, Russia. Because Leningrad had not been occupied by the Nazis during the blockade, which lasted from September 1941 to January 1944, previous restitution efforts met with resistance from German officials, said Stuart E. Eizenstat, the group’s longtime top negotiator. "They said, ‘Look, well, the non-Jews suffered,’" Eizenstat, a former U.S. ambassador to the European Union, said on Tuesday. "We were able to show them Nazi flyers that were dropped that said that Jews were the cause of the siege. So their level of persecution was greater. " Eizenstat, an expert adviser to the State Department on Holocaust issues under three presidents, commended German negotiators for budging on the issue. "We’re dealing with people who weren’t even born during the Holocaust," he said, adding that negotiators used Zoom because of the coronavirus pandemic. "They still recognise their moral responsibility." The German Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. Khusid, who moved to the United States in 2010 to live near her daughter, is one of an estimated 4,500 Holocaust survivors who lived through the siege of Leningrad and is eligible for a pension, the Claims Conference said. The pensions will pay an annual benefit of about $5,200 or 4,500 euros, according to the group. An additional 2,000 Holocaust survivors who hid in France and Romania will also qualify for the pensions, which the organisation said had an income-eligibility scale — the annual limits are about $52,000, 45,000 euros in Europe and 168,000 shekels in Israel. Eizenstat, a former US deputy treasury secretary, pointed out that more than 50% of all Holocaust survivors were currently living at or near poverty levels. The problem, he said, is particularly acute in Eastern Europe. "Many of these have no extended families," he said. "These pensions are lifelines. We’re talking about people who have to choose between food and medicine and some socialization." An additional 1,700 survivors who were children during the Holocaust and had previously received one-time payments will now be eligible for supplemental hardship payments of 1,200 euros in 2021 and 2022, the organisation said. The subject of reparations for Holocaust survivors has been a contentious one in both Germany and Israel over the decades, Eizenstat said, noting that Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, acknowledged that the country was responsible for the crimes of the Nazis. "This was an unprecedented statement by a defeated power in a war," Eizenstat said, "to say that they felt responsible for the civilian deaths caused by the defeated power." But in a 1952 speech to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, Menachem Begin, a future prime minister, sharply criticised the reparations and questioned how survivors could accept money from people with blood on their hands. Eizenstat didn’t see it that way. "I believe that what Germany has done is truly historic and inspiring," he said. "No one could have possibly imagined how far Germany would have come in recognition of its past." Khusid said that her grandparents had been buried alive by the Nazis and that an uncle who had once brought the family food had starved to death. Another uncle came from Moscow to help her family escape, which involved crossing the treacherous Lake Ladoga during the winter. "A lot of times, people were shot while trying to escape," she said, adding that her grandchildren struggle to understand her ordeal when she explains it to them. Eizenstat said that his work was not done, however. "People say, ‘How long are you going to do this?’" he said. "Well, Hitler wanted a 1,000-year Reich. The least we can do is until the last survivor breathes their last breath."

Germany sets aside an additional $767 million for holocaust survivors, officials say

The issue of a speed limit on the country's highways has been pending for a long time. Every time, the country gets a new government, the issue crops up on the list of the agendas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently, the country has voted for a new government. And the lawmakers are again considering the issue. However, the people are divided over the matter. &nbsp;

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Depending on road conditions, variable speed limits have already been applied to different stretches of highways of the country. &nbsp;

Like the country, political parties in Germany, are also divided on the topic. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP), the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the conservative CDU/CSU of outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel oppose a highway speed limit. But the Greens, the socialist Left Party and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are in favour of it. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-eu-time-running-out-to-fix-ni-accord-418123" hreflang="en">UK warns EU time running out to fix NI accord</a>

It is hard to say that will a general speed limit be imposed? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

There are only a dozen countries in the world, which have not imposed speed limits on their roads. In Europe, the only other place where road traffic is allowed to travel at unlimited speeds is the Isle of Man. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The issue of a speed limit on the country's highways has been pending for a long time. Every time, the country gets a new government, the issue crops up on the list of the agendas.

The issue of a speed limit on the country's highways has been pending for a long time. Every time, the country gets a new government, the issue crops up on the list of the agendas. Recently, the country has voted for a new government. And the lawmakers are again considering the issue. However, the people are divided over the matter. Also Read: Blinken faces an awkward visit to Paris, his ‘second home’ Depending on road conditions, variable speed limits have already been applied to different stretches of highways of the country. Like the country, political parties in Germany, are also divided on the topic. The neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP), the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the conservative CDU/CSU of outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel oppose a highway speed limit. But the Greens, the socialist Left Party and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are in favour of it. Also Read: UK warns EU time running out to fix NI accord It is hard to say that will a general speed limit be imposed? There are only a dozen countries in the world, which have not imposed speed limits on their roads. In Europe, the only other place where road traffic is allowed to travel at unlimited speeds is the Isle of Man. (With inputs from agencies)

After polls, Germany looks to set highway speed limit

On Monday, German officials unveiled what they claimed would be the world's first commercial synthetic kerosene plant in a bid to reduce the climate impact of flying.

Located near Germany's northwest border with the Netherlands, the facility in Werlte will produce hydrogen using water and electricity from nearby wind farms. With the addition of carbon dioxide, hydrogen is converted into crude, which is then refined into jet fuel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hydrogen-needs-12-tn-for-zero-emissions-goal-iea-418145">Hydrogen needs $1.2 tn for zero emissions goal: IEA</a>

About 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, come from the aviation industry. In spite of the trend to electrify other forms of transportation, making large, battery-powered planes remains an extremely daunting task.

According to experts, using e-fuels to replace fossil fuels without requiring substantial modifications to aircraft could be a solution to the problem.

As synthetic kerosene releases no more CO2 into the atmosphere during combustion than it has removed during production, this fuel can be described as carbon-neutral.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-is-a-hammer-hitting-us-on-the-head-developing-nations-say-405011">Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say</a>

As of early next year, this new plant will be capable of producing only a small quantity of eight barrels per day. Comparatively, in 2019, commercial airlines around the world consumed almost 2.3 billion barrels of kerosene.&nbsp;

While the amount of oil it can produce would only be enough to fill one small passenger plane once every three weeks.&nbsp;

The organisations behind the project say their goal is to help demonstrate that the process can be technologically feasible and, with enough demand, once scaled up, it can also prove to be economically viable.

Watch |&nbsp;Global warming kills 14% of Coral reefs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-warming-kills-14-of-coral-reefs-418423/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Atmosfair, a German non-profit group is this project's leader. The group offers companies and individuals means to neutralize carbon emissions. Germany's national carrier Lufthansa will be the first to use the synthetic kerosene or e-fuel, produced at this plant, which was built with engineering giant Siemens' help.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

On Monday, German officials unveiled what they claimed would be the world's first commercial synthetic kerosene plant in a bid to reduce the climate impact of flying.

On Monday, German officials unveiled what they claimed would be the world's first commercial synthetic kerosene plant in a bid to reduce the climate impact of flying. Located near Germany's northwest border with the Netherlands, the facility in Werlte will produce hydrogen using water and electricity from nearby wind farms. With the addition of carbon dioxide, hydrogen is converted into crude, which is then refined into jet fuel. Also read | Hydrogen needs $1.2 tn for zero emissions goal: IEA About 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, come from the aviation industry. In spite of the trend to electrify other forms of transportation, making large, battery-powered planes remains an extremely daunting task. According to experts, using e-fuels to replace fossil fuels without requiring substantial modifications to aircraft could be a solution to the problem. As synthetic kerosene releases no more CO2 into the atmosphere during combustion than it has removed during production, this fuel can be described as carbon-neutral. Also read | Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say As of early next year, this new plant will be capable of producing only a small quantity of eight barrels per day. Comparatively, in 2019, commercial airlines around the world consumed almost 2.3 billion barrels of kerosene. While the amount of oil it can produce would only be enough to fill one small passenger plane once every three weeks. The organisations behind the project say their goal is to help demonstrate that the process can be technologically feasible and, with enough demand, once scaled up, it can also prove to be economically viable. Watch | Global warming kills 14% of Coral reefs Atmosfair, a German non-profit group is this project's leader. The group offers companies and individuals means to neutralize carbon emissions. Germany's national carrier Lufthansa will be the first to use the synthetic kerosene or e-fuel, produced at this plant, which was built with engineering giant Siemens' help. (With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to combat climate impact, cut carbon footprint, Germany unveils synthetic kerosene plant

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday. &nbsp;

Merkel remained in power for around 16 years. &nbsp;

Citing the tense situation in Afghanistan, the leader had cancelled a planned trip from August 28 to 30 to Israel. At that time, the United States, Germany and others were evacuating personnel and several Afghans ahead of an August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-polls-germany-looks-to-set-highway-speed-limit-418258" hreflang="en">After polls, Germany looks to set highway speed limit</a>

Merkel "will arrive here early next week for an important farewell visit", said Bennett in Israel's parliament. The leader had last visited Israel in 2018. &nbsp;

In power since 2005, Merkel plans to step down after a new government is formed. &nbsp;

Earlier, Germans voted in the national elections in a tight race between Social Democrats (SPD) and Merkel's CDU-CSU conservative alliance. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-warming-arctic-ice-at-a-record-low-and-sea-levels-rising-418244" hreflang="en">Global warming: Arctic ice at a record low and sea levels rising</a>

Olaf Scholz was heading the Social Democrat (SPD) while Merkel had backed Armin Laschet of the CDU-CSU. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel had also urged Germans to give her would-be successor Laschet their vote to shape Germany's future, in a last-ditch push to shore up his beleaguered campaign 24 hours before Germans vote. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday.

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday. Merkel remained in power for around 16 years. Citing the tense situation in Afghanistan, the leader had cancelled a planned trip from August 28 to 30 to Israel. At that time, the United States, Germany and others were evacuating personnel and several Afghans ahead of an August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Also Read: After polls, Germany looks to set highway speed limit Merkel "will arrive here early next week for an important farewell visit", said Bennett in Israel's parliament. The leader had last visited Israel in 2018. In power since 2005, Merkel plans to step down after a new government is formed. Earlier, Germans voted in the national elections in a tight race between Social Democrats (SPD) and Merkel's CDU-CSU conservative alliance. Also Read: Global warming: Arctic ice at a record low and sea levels rising Olaf Scholz was heading the Social Democrat (SPD) while Merkel had backed Armin Laschet of the CDU-CSU. Chancellor Angela Merkel had also urged Germans to give her would-be successor Laschet their vote to shape Germany's future, in a last-ditch push to shore up his beleaguered campaign 24 hours before Germans vote. (With inputs from agencies)

For a farewell visit, Germany's Merkel to head to Israel next week  

Every general elections brings the old and unresolved issue of speed limit, however, Germany's political parties have divided views on this.

Will Germany impose general speed limit? | WION Latest News | English News

At an event held to mark the 31st anniversary of reunification, the Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said on Sunday that both Berlin and&nbsp;New Delhi are very much on the same page on issues concerning Afghanistan. The diplomat also said the two countries will see closer cooperation in this regard. &nbsp;

Lindner said, "India is a very big actor there (Afghanistan)... Involved in a lot of developmental projects and Germany has been very active (there) for the last 20 years. So, we both share pretty much the same principles." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-wants-trade-security-pact-with-india-says-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-417979" hreflang="en">UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss</a>

The envoy unveiled a symbolic painting on a large wall at the iconic Sheila Theatre in Paharganj, which depicted the friendship between India and Germany. &nbsp;

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31 years ago, GER became reunited, courageous people teared down Berlin Wall. Today, as COVID makes large celebrations still impossible, we unveiled symbolic street-art painting of IND-GER friendship on this wall in middle of Delhi. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/delhistreetart?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@delhistreetart</a>! Happy 3rd of Oct! <a href="https://t.co/hRBZ5KM68E">pic.twitter.com/hRBZ5KM68E</a>
— Walter J. Lindner (@AmbLindnerIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbLindnerIndia/status/1444581266322427904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Economy, student exchange, green energy, environmental protection, science and technology, and artificial intelligence will be some of the key areas of the India-Germany partnership ahead, the diplomat said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-releases-new-propaganda-video-on-galwan-valley-clash-last-year-417891" hreflang="en">China releases new propaganda video on Galwan Valley clash last year</a>

Answering a query related to the India-UK row over COVID-19 vaccine certification, Lindner said, "I don't know exactly what the specifications are... Why the UK is not recognising the app from India. Weeks ago, we recognised Covishield. I myself have been vaccinated with Covishield. So, those who have been administered Covishield do not need to undergo quarantine (in Germany) or face any other restrictions." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

At an event held to mark the 31st anniversary of reunification, the Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said on Sunday that both Berlin and New Delhi are very much on the same page on issues concerning Afghanistan.

At an event held to mark the 31st anniversary of reunification, the Germany’s Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said on Sunday that both Berlin and New Delhi are very much on the same page on issues concerning Afghanistan. The diplomat also said the two countries will see closer cooperation in this regard. Lindner said, "India is a very big actor there (Afghanistan)... Involved in a lot of developmental projects and Germany has been very active (there) for the last 20 years. So, we both share pretty much the same principles." Also Read: UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss The envoy unveiled a symbolic painting on a large wall at the iconic Sheila Theatre in Paharganj, which depicted the friendship between India and Germany. 31 years ago, GER became reunited, courageous people teared down Berlin Wall. Today, as COVID makes large celebrations still impossible, we unveiled symbolic street-art painting of IND-GER friendship on this wall in middle of Delhi. Thanks to @delhistreetart! Happy 3rd of Oct! pic.twitter.com/hRBZ5KM68E — Walter J. Lindner (@AmbLindnerIndia) October 3, 2021 × Economy, student exchange, green energy, environmental protection, science and technology, and artificial intelligence will be some of the key areas of the India-Germany partnership ahead, the diplomat said. Also Read: China releases new propaganda video on Galwan Valley clash last year Answering a query related to the India-UK row over COVID-19 vaccine certification, Lindner said, "I don't know exactly what the specifications are... Why the UK is not recognising the app from India. Weeks ago, we recognised Covishield. I myself have been vaccinated with Covishield. So, those who have been administered Covishield do not need to undergo quarantine (in Germany) or face any other restrictions." (With inputs from agencies)

India, Germany on same page over Afghanistan, says envoy Walter J Lindner

The kingmakers in a potential coalition government are trying to find common ground and say negotiations will concentrate on policy issues. Both will enter separate bilateral talks with the SPD and CDU next week.

Germany: Greens, FDP set to determine Germany's political stature

A car park in Germany decided to show its support to the LGBTQ community and migrants by painting a rainbow flag on one of its walls and reserving specific parking spots.<o:p></o:p>

The authorities claim that they reserved parking spots specially for the LGBT drivers and migrants as they have a "special need for protection and security in public spaces," a local councillor explained.

<o:p></o:p>

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NEW - A car park located in Germany has unveiled dedicated parking spaces reserved for LGBTQ and migrant drivers. 
 
The aim is to help people who feel "a special need for protection". <a href="https://t.co/FeGDl6NPma">pic.twitter.com/FeGDl6NPma</a>
— BristolBlues 🇬🇧🇬🇧 (@BristolBlues40) <a href="https://twitter.com/BristolBlues40/status/1443904008662441986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This decision was taken for Hanauer Parkhaus in Hanau of Germany. Three parking spots have been reserved for LGBT and migrant drivers.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-locals-send-record-100000-submissions-to-ban-lgbt-conversion-practices-413343">New Zealand locals send record 100,000 submissions to ban LGBT conversion practices</a></o:p>

The selected parking spots are next to each other and are closer to the exit of the multi-storey parking lot. With a rainbow (also known as 'pride flag') painted on the back wall, these spaces are also specifically monitored by security cameras.

<o:p></o:p>

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Hanau, Germany will be introducing reserved “diversity” parking spaces for LGBT or migrant drivers. 
 
How will they verify this?
— Amy Tarkanian (@MrsT106) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsT106/status/1443887848445390849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While authorities hoped this would earn them praises for this act, locals have called them out for alienating these groups.<o:p></o:p>

"Child and old age poverty, single mothers at their financial limit, pensioners who have to live on bottle deposits and leftovers from garbage cans," a local tweeted. "But for City Councilor Thomas Morlock in Hanau there is nothing more important than setting an example for tolerance."<o:p></o:p>

Another user, Amy Tarkanian, raised a valid question about "how will they verify this?". Another user rose to her support by asking the same question. "How do you enforce this? are people now gonna start getting gay licenses like they do for handicap parking spots?,"&nbsp;the user tweeted.<o:p></o:p>

Some members of the LGBT community have tried to make the best of it and urged fellow drivers to park in the 'Diversity Spaces' whenever they want and show solidarity with the community.<o:p></o:p>

A car park in Germany decided to show its support to the LGBTQ community and migrants by painting a rainbow flag on one of its walls and reserving specific parking spots.

A car park in Germany decided to show its support to the LGBTQ community and migrants by painting a rainbow flag on one of its walls and reserving specific parking spots. The authorities claim that they reserved parking spots specially for the LGBT drivers and migrants as they have a "special need for protection and security in public spaces," a local councillor explained. NEW - A car park located in Germany has unveiled dedicated parking spaces reserved for LGBTQ and migrant drivers. The aim is to help people who feel "a special need for protection". pic.twitter.com/FeGDl6NPma — BristolBlues 🇬🇧🇬🇧 (@BristolBlues40) October 1, 2021 × This decision was taken for Hanauer Parkhaus in Hanau of Germany. Three parking spots have been reserved for LGBT and migrant drivers. Also read | New Zealand locals send record 100,000 submissions to ban LGBT conversion practices The selected parking spots are next to each other and are closer to the exit of the multi-storey parking lot. With a rainbow (also known as 'pride flag') painted on the back wall, these spaces are also specifically monitored by security cameras. Hanau, Germany will be introducing reserved “diversity” parking spaces for LGBT or migrant drivers. How will they verify this? — Amy Tarkanian (@MrsT106) October 1, 2021 × While authorities hoped this would earn them praises for this act, locals have called them out for alienating these groups. "Child and old age poverty, single mothers at their financial limit, pensioners who have to live on bottle deposits and leftovers from garbage cans," a local tweeted. "But for City Councilor Thomas Morlock in Hanau there is nothing more important than setting an example for tolerance." Another user, Amy Tarkanian, raised a valid question about "how will they verify this?". Another user rose to her support by asking the same question. "How do you enforce this? are people now gonna start getting gay licenses like they do for handicap parking spots?," the user tweeted. Some members of the LGBT community have tried to make the best of it and urged fellow drivers to park in the 'Diversity Spaces' whenever they want and show solidarity with the community.

'Diversity spaces': Germany reserves parking spots for LGBT community and migrants

German Green Party front duo Robert Habeck and Annalena Baerbock, and Free Democrats (FDP) leader Christian Lindner took questions from reporters Friday morning after their first two-hour session of a second round of "pre-exploratory" coalition talks. Watch this report for more details.

Germany: Greens and FDP enter second round of preliminary talks

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