A German veterinary clinic has trained sniffer dogs to detect the novel coronavirus in human saliva samples with 94% accuracy.

German sniffer dogs detect COVID-19 with 94% accuracy

Abdul Kader Tizini, 29-year-old from Syria, never thought that after doing master's in mechanical engineering from one of Germany's top universities will not be enough to get him his dream job.&nbsp;He graduated from RWTH Aachen and a month later coronavirus pandemic paralysed German economy that was witnessing an employment boom.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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About 800 job applications and 80 interviews have gone by and Abdul is still in search of work.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-ban-travel-from-coronavirus-variant-countries-359882">Germany to ban travel from coronavirus variant countries</a>

A foreigner finds it hard to work in Germany which is Europe's biggest economy and the pandemic has worsened the crisis, says Abdul.&nbsp;

"Companies think, 'With a foreigner we'll have to explain the idea twice, with a native only once'," he told news agency Reuters.

He is also not entitled to unemployment benefits that German or European Union nationals enjoy.&nbsp;

When Abdul Kader Tizini graduated with a master's degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen, one of Germany's top technical universities, he thought it would be a matter of weeks before he landed his dream job.

In the last decade, hundreds of thousands of international students came to Germany due to its credible yet almost free higher education system and employment opportunities.&nbsp;

From 2009 to 2019, there was a rise of about 70 per cent of international students in Germany, data from the Federal Statistics Office found.&nbsp;

The country's unemployment rate spiked to 6.4 per cent after the government imposed the first lockdown, from 5 per cent in the previous months.&nbsp;

It reached 6 per cent in January this year.

The number of vacancies in Germany declined by 430,000 between April 2020 and January 2021, 26 per cent year-on-year, Labour Office data showed. 
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Abdul Kader Tizini, 29-year-old from Syria, never thought that after doing master's in mechanical engineering from one of Germany's top universities will not be enough to get him his dream job.

Abdul Kader Tizini, 29-year-old from Syria, never thought that after doing master's in mechanical engineering from one of Germany's top universities will not be enough to get him his dream job. He graduated from RWTH Aachen and a month later coronavirus pandemic paralysed German economy that was witnessing an employment boom. Watch | About 800 job applications and 80 interviews have gone by and Abdul is still in search of work. Also read | Germany to ban travel from coronavirus variant countries A foreigner finds it hard to work in Germany which is Europe's biggest economy and the pandemic has worsened the crisis, says Abdul. "Companies think, 'With a foreigner we'll have to explain the idea twice, with a native only once'," he told news agency Reuters. He is also not entitled to unemployment benefits that German or European Union nationals enjoy. When Abdul Kader Tizini graduated with a master's degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen, one of Germany's top technical universities, he thought it would be a matter of weeks before he landed his dream job. In the last decade, hundreds of thousands of international students came to Germany due to its credible yet almost free higher education system and employment opportunities. From 2009 to 2019, there was a rise of about 70 per cent of international students in Germany, data from the Federal Statistics Office found. The country's unemployment rate spiked to 6.4 per cent after the government imposed the first lockdown, from 5 per cent in the previous months. It reached 6 per cent in January this year. The number of vacancies in Germany declined by 430,000 between April 2020 and January 2021, 26 per cent year-on-year, Labour Office data showed.

After 800 applications, 80 interviews, foreign national still in search for job in Germany

Merkel said there were various reasons for the slower pace of vaccination in Germany compared to other countries.

Your Story: Angela Merkel says, 'Every vaccine welcome in Germany'

Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev won their respective singles matches on Wednesday to help Russia join Italy in the semi-finals of the team-based ATP Cup in Melbourne.

ATP Finals winner Medvedev took down Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-4 after Rublev's dominant 6-1 6-3 victory again Yoshihito Nishioka, setting up Russia's second victory in Group D after the side defeated Argentina on Tuesday.

"Semis is a big step," Medvedev told reporters. "Looking forward, really happy that we made it in both singles."

Germany also boosted their chances of progressing to the last four by defeating Canada at the Rod Laver Arena in Group A to set up a knockout tie against defending champions Serbia on Thursday.

World number six Stefanos Tsitsipas levelled the Group B tie for Greece against Australia with a 6-3 7-5 win over Alex de Minaur in front of a raucous crowd after John Millman gave the hosts the lead with a 6-2 6-3 win over Michail Pervolarakis.

John Peers and Luke Saville then clinched a 6-3 4-6 (10-5) doubles win over Tsitsipas and Pervolarakis to help Australia win the tie 2-1 and keep their semi-final hopes alive after Tuesday's 3-0 drubbing by Spain.

With the second edition of the competition truncated because of Australian Open coronavirus quarantine, victory for Fabio Fognini and Matteo Berrettini in the singles combined with Tuesday's 2-1 win over Austria ensured Italy would top Group C.

Fognini downed Benoit Paire 6-1 7-6(2) in the opening match of the day on John Cain Arena before Matteo Berrettini outwitted Gael Monfils 6-4 6-2 to make France's doubles win academic.

If that clash was one-sided, the Germany-Canada Group A tie was anything but with four of the fives sets in the two singles matches decided by tiebreakers.

Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff dominated the first two and finished off Milos Raonic with a thumping ace for a 7-6(4) 7-6(2) victory that gave Germany a 1-0 lead in their opening tie.

After losing 2-1 to Novak Djokovic's Serbia on Tuesday, Canada needed to win the tie to stay alive in the competition and Denis Shapovalov made a positive start by taking the first set against Alexander Zverev.

Shapovalov, backing up after a loss to Djokovic, needed treatment on his shoulder as world number seven Zverev levelled up the contest in the second set, however.

Zverev, in his first match of the year, warmed to his task in a tight deciding set but was unable to convert seven break points as Shapovalov dug deep.

Shapovalov had his chances in the decisive tiebreak but an unforced error and a double fault at crucial moments opened the door for Zverev and the German stormed through it with his 14th and 15th aces for a 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(4) victory.

"Winning a team event, winning something for your country it's one of the biggest things in our sport," Zverev said. "I think the ATP Cup is just as big as the Davis Cup right now."

Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev won their respective singles matches on Wednesday to help Russia join Italy in the semi-finals of the team-based ATP Cup in Melbourne.

Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev won their respective singles matches on Wednesday to help Russia join Italy in the semi-finals of the team-based ATP Cup in Melbourne. ATP Finals winner Medvedev took down Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-2 6-4 after Rublev's dominant 6-1 6-3 victory again Yoshihito Nishioka, setting up Russia's second victory in Group D after the side defeated Argentina on Tuesday. "Semis is a big step," Medvedev told reporters. "Looking forward, really happy that we made it in both singles." Germany also boosted their chances of progressing to the last four by defeating Canada at the Rod Laver Arena in Group A to set up a knockout tie against defending champions Serbia on Thursday. World number six Stefanos Tsitsipas levelled the Group B tie for Greece against Australia with a 6-3 7-5 win over Alex de Minaur in front of a raucous crowd after John Millman gave the hosts the lead with a 6-2 6-3 win over Michail Pervolarakis. John Peers and Luke Saville then clinched a 6-3 4-6 (10-5) doubles win over Tsitsipas and Pervolarakis to help Australia win the tie 2-1 and keep their semi-final hopes alive after Tuesday's 3-0 drubbing by Spain. With the second edition of the competition truncated because of Australian Open coronavirus quarantine, victory for Fabio Fognini and Matteo Berrettini in the singles combined with Tuesday's 2-1 win over Austria ensured Italy would top Group C. Fognini downed Benoit Paire 6-1 7-6(2) in the opening match of the day on John Cain Arena before Matteo Berrettini outwitted Gael Monfils 6-4 6-2 to make France's doubles win academic. If that clash was one-sided, the Germany-Canada Group A tie was anything but with four of the fives sets in the two singles matches decided by tiebreakers. Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff dominated the first two and finished off Milos Raonic with a thumping ace for a 7-6(4) 7-6(2) victory that gave Germany a 1-0 lead in their opening tie. After losing 2-1 to Novak Djokovic's Serbia on Tuesday, Canada needed to win the tie to stay alive in the competition and Denis Shapovalov made a positive start by taking the first set against Alexander Zverev. Shapovalov, backing up after a loss to Djokovic, needed treatment on his shoulder as world number seven Zverev levelled up the contest in the second set, however. Zverev, in his first match of the year, warmed to his task in a tight deciding set but was unable to convert seven break points as Shapovalov dug deep. Shapovalov had his chances in the decisive tiebreak but an unforced error and a double fault at crucial moments opened the door for Zverev and the German stormed through it with his 14th and 15th aces for a 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(4) victory. "Winning a team event, winning something for your country it's one of the biggest things in our sport," Zverev said. "I think the ATP Cup is just as big as the Davis Cup right now."

Russia join Italy in ATP Cup semis, hosts Australia stay alive

German Chancellor Angela Merkel promises every citizen a Covid vaccine by September

Their emotions alternating between burn-out and pride, nursing staff at Berlin's Havelhoehe hospital are buckling down for another shift as, almost a year after COVID-19 first struck, the second wave of Germany's epidemic rages on. German hospitals association DKG said on Tuesday (January 26) that about 4,600 COVID-19 patients were in intensive care, down from a peak of 5,781 on Jan 4.

Between burn-out and pride: Berlin hospital staff share COVID-19 experiences

Germany's vaccine commission said the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine should not be given to people older than 65 years.

'AstraZeneca vaccine shouldn't be given to over-65s', says Germany's vaccine commission

Germany is banning most travellers from countries hardest hit by coronavirus variants in order to stop the strains from reversing recent progress on lowering infections.

The emergence of new virus variants in Britain, Brazil and South Africa, deemed more infectious than the original strain, has fuelled concern at a time when many nations are struggling to rein in the pandemic.

"At the moment within the government, we are coordinating towards the aim of refusing inbound travel from mutation areas," Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Thursday. "We are concentrating these travel restrictions on mutation areas, that are at the moment Britain, Portugal, South Africa and Brazil."

Seehofer said talks were ongoing to decide which category of travellers might be granted exemptions.&nbsp;

These would likely include returning Germans as well as those who work in freight, as cargo flights should not be disrupted.

With fast-moving infection developments, officials are also looking at how to define what would qualify as a "mutation area".&nbsp;

This definition would be a "professional decision" based on epidemiological data and made by German disease control agency RKI, Seehofer said.

The interior minister said Germany would present the details on the inbound travel ban on Friday, and could not wait for the EU to take a common decision on such a pressing health issue for the population.

Seehofer had earlier this week mooted slashing air traffic in Germany to "almost zero".&nbsp;

Ylva Johansson, European commissioner for home affairs, acknowledged that such a move might be necessary to prevent new infections but urged Berlin not to take overly strong measures.

Germany coped relatively well with the first coronavirus wave last spring but has been hit hard by a second wave in recent months.

Europe's biggest economy renewed restrictions in November, shutting down bars, restaurants, culture and leisure facilities.&nbsp;

Measures were tightened further in December, with schools and non-essential shops also ordered to close. The current shutdowns are set to last at least until mid-February.

On Thursday, Germany reported a welcome drop in its incidence rate to just under 100 per 100,000 people -- the first time the key number has dipped below the threshold in three months.

Germany is banning most travellers from countries hardest hit by coronavirus variants in order to stop the strains from reversing recent progress on lowering infections.

Germany is banning most travellers from countries hardest hit by coronavirus variants in order to stop the strains from reversing recent progress on lowering infections. The emergence of new virus variants in Britain, Brazil and South Africa, deemed more infectious than the original strain, has fuelled concern at a time when many nations are struggling to rein in the pandemic. "At the moment within the government, we are coordinating towards the aim of refusing inbound travel from mutation areas," Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said on Thursday. "We are concentrating these travel restrictions on mutation areas, that are at the moment Britain, Portugal, South Africa and Brazil." Seehofer said talks were ongoing to decide which category of travellers might be granted exemptions. These would likely include returning Germans as well as those who work in freight, as cargo flights should not be disrupted. With fast-moving infection developments, officials are also looking at how to define what would qualify as a "mutation area". This definition would be a "professional decision" based on epidemiological data and made by German disease control agency RKI, Seehofer said. The interior minister said Germany would present the details on the inbound travel ban on Friday, and could not wait for the EU to take a common decision on such a pressing health issue for the population. Seehofer had earlier this week mooted slashing air traffic in Germany to "almost zero". Ylva Johansson, European commissioner for home affairs, acknowledged that such a move might be necessary to prevent new infections but urged Berlin not to take overly strong measures. Germany coped relatively well with the first coronavirus wave last spring but has been hit hard by a second wave in recent months. Europe's biggest economy renewed restrictions in November, shutting down bars, restaurants, culture and leisure facilities. Measures were tightened further in December, with schools and non-essential shops also ordered to close. The current shutdowns are set to last at least until mid-February. On Thursday, Germany reported a welcome drop in its incidence rate to just under 100 per 100,000 people -- the first time the key number has dipped below the threshold in three months.

Germany to ban travel from coronavirus variant countries

Pharmaceutical giant Astrazeneca is facing twin challenges in Europe, over efficacy and delivery. On Monday, German Daily reported government was unhappy with Astrazeneca's COVID vaccine. The report says that the jab was only 8% effective among people over-65 years.

German media question Astrazeneca's efficacy rate

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for "fair" distribution of coronavirus vaccines across the world, rather than the adoption of 'me first' attitude.

"Money is one thing, but the other thing in a time of scarcity is the availability of the vaccine. Here it's about a fair distribution, and not about a question of money," she told local media.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-says-companies-must-deliver-coronavirus-vaccines-germany-agrees-359459" hreflang="en">EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees</a>

Talking about this attitude, she warned that if the trend continues, the history will have wounds of this unfair distribution for years to come.

"Let's not kid ourselves, the question of who gets which vaccine in the world will of course leave new wounds and new memories because those who get such emergency help will remember that," Merkel said.

Several leaders, especially of the third world countries, have spoken out about the unfair distribution of the coronavirus vaccines and have called out the rich countries for practising the 'me first' attitude.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-could-last-4-to-5-years-singapore-minister-359440" hreflang="en">Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister</a>

While the first-world countries are now having to double-think their decision of ordering more vaccines as the pressure of ordering in consideration of poor countries has been rising in recent weeks, many leaders are also calling out pharmaceutical companies for approaching only the rich countries to earn bigger profit margins.

Speaking at the online-only version of the World Economic Forum today, the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also called out the rich countries for hoarding vaccines.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sa-president-calls-out-rich-countries-for-hoarding-vaccines-359471">SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines</a>

"Rich countries in the world are holding on to these vaccines and we are saying release the excess vaccines that you’ve ordered and hoarded," he said.

"We are concerned about vaccine nationalism. The rich countries of the world went out and acquired large doses of vaccines from developers and manufacturers of these vaccines. Some countries have even gone beyond and acquired up to four times what their population needs," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

"There is just no need for a country which perhaps has about 40 million people goes and acquires 120 million doses of vaccines or even 160 million, and yet the world needs access to these vaccines," he added.

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for "fair" distribution of coronavirus vaccines across the world, rather than the adoption of 'me first' attitude.

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for "fair" distribution of coronavirus vaccines across the world, rather than the adoption of 'me first' attitude. "Money is one thing, but the other thing in a time of scarcity is the availability of the vaccine. Here it's about a fair distribution, and not about a question of money," she told local media. Also read| EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees Talking about this attitude, she warned that if the trend continues, the history will have wounds of this unfair distribution for years to come. "Let's not kid ourselves, the question of who gets which vaccine in the world will of course leave new wounds and new memories because those who get such emergency help will remember that," Merkel said. Several leaders, especially of the third world countries, have spoken out about the unfair distribution of the coronavirus vaccines and have called out the rich countries for practising the 'me first' attitude. Also read| Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister While the first-world countries are now having to double-think their decision of ordering more vaccines as the pressure of ordering in consideration of poor countries has been rising in recent weeks, many leaders are also calling out pharmaceutical companies for approaching only the rich countries to earn bigger profit margins. Speaking at the online-only version of the World Economic Forum today, the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also called out the rich countries for hoarding vaccines. Also read| SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines "Rich countries in the world are holding on to these vaccines and we are saying release the excess vaccines that you’ve ordered and hoarded," he said. "We are concerned about vaccine nationalism. The rich countries of the world went out and acquired large doses of vaccines from developers and manufacturers of these vaccines. Some countries have even gone beyond and acquired up to four times what their population needs," Ramaphosa said. "There is just no need for a country which perhaps has about 40 million people goes and acquires 120 million doses of vaccines or even 160 million, and yet the world needs access to these vaccines," he added.

German chancellor Angela Merkel urges 'fair' distribution of coronavirus vaccine

Russian police detained people and used force to break up a rally in St Petersburg on Sunday (January 23) as protesters demanded the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose wife was among those detained.

Russia: Police detains over 200 protesters at pro-Navalny rally in St Petersburg

The United States has strongly condemned Russia's use of 'harsh tactics' against protesters and journalists demanding the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

US, EU condemns Russia's crackdown on protesters & journalists

Police detained over 1,000 people and used force to break up rallies around Russia on Saturday as tens of thousands of protesters demanded the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose wife was among those detained.

Hundreds arrested during protests in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny

Police arrest over 1,000 people at Russia protests backing jailed Kremlin foe Navalny

Detained Kremlin Critic Alexey Navalny supporters are staging protests across Russia to force his release.

Navalny supporters stage protest against his arrest & Prez Putin

Belgian rising design star Tom Van Der Borght opened the Berlin Fashion Week on Sunday (January 18) with 18 flamboyant looks showing futuristic and very colourful designs.

Belgian rising design star opens Berlin Fashion Week amid strict restrictions

Its the end of an era as later this year, the German Chancellor&nbsp;Angela Merkel will step down from her position after serving the country for 15 long years and as one of the de-facto leaders of Europe, now her party has appointed a new leader.

Only a few leaders can boast of a track record that can match Angela Merkel's record.&nbsp; Severing as the german chancellor for 15 years and counting, she&nbsp;has worked with five British prime ministers, four French presidents, seven Italian prime ministers and once Joe Biden takes oath, four American presidents.

Now, one of the world's most successful politicians is stepping down. She is&nbsp;keeping the promise she made in 2018.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lesser-known-facts-about-angela-merkel-set-to-return-as-germanys-chancellor-20574">&nbsp;Lesser known facts about Angela Merkel, set to return as Germany's Chancellor</a>

Her party now has a new leader — Armin Laschet. He will lead the charge of the Christian democratic union in the September polls.

Merkel's exit from the Chancellor's office will be the end of an era as she&nbsp;was the first woman to take Germany's top job in 2005.

When Merkel rose to power,&nbsp;many had dismissed her as inexperienced and uncharismatic. However,&nbsp;during her 15-year reign, Merkel has proved herself time and again.

Merkel's achievements

Three years into office, Merkel faced her greatest challenge in form of the&nbsp;2008 financial crisis that&nbsp;shook entire Europe. However, not only did Merkel steer Germany during the meltdown, but she was at the heart of the response to the eurozone debt crisis — one that could have led to the economic collapse of Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Cyprus.

Merkel held her own&nbsp;in front of adversaries,&nbsp;even when they tried to overpower or humiliate her. One famous&nbsp;instance of this is when Vladimir Putin brought a dog into a meeting with Merkel. It is quite popularly known that Merkel is afraid of dogs. However, the leader handled the situation with the utmost grace and confidence.

Hard days

Her last years in office, however, were upended by a refugee crisis. More than one million refugees arrived in Germany in 2015.&nbsp;Not only did Merkel welcome them, but she even convinced some European allies to accept some of them.

In 2018, she was elected for a record fourth term in office, but her party lost votes which forced Merkel&nbsp;to form a grand collation to keep power. Realising the end of the road is near, Merkel decided she will not run for a fifth term.

Her departure might trigger uncertainty as Germany hasn't been immune to the rise of the right. Parties like the alternative for Germany ate into the votes of established players in the last election.

The European Union remains a divided bloc, especially after the UK's exit from the EU. The coronavirus has also&nbsp;widened the differences,&nbsp;with authoritarian leaders in Hungary and Poland often rejecting the proposals laid out by their&nbsp;European partners.

So far, Merkel has managed to keep key allies together. However, both at home, and in the continent, the next leader of Germany has some big shoes to fill.

Its the end of an era as later this year, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel will step down from her position after serving the country for 15 long years and as one of the de-facto leaders of Europe, now her party has appointed a new leader.

Its the end of an era as later this year, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel will step down from her position after serving the country for 15 long years and as one of the de-facto leaders of Europe, now her party has appointed a new leader. Only a few leaders can boast of a track record that can match Angela Merkel's record. Severing as the german chancellor for 15 years and counting, she has worked with five British prime ministers, four French presidents, seven Italian prime ministers and once Joe Biden takes oath, four American presidents. Now, one of the world's most successful politicians is stepping down. She is keeping the promise she made in 2018. Also read| Lesser known facts about Angela Merkel, set to return as Germany's Chancellor Her party now has a new leader — Armin Laschet. He will lead the charge of the Christian democratic union in the September polls. Merkel's exit from the Chancellor's office will be the end of an era as she was the first woman to take Germany's top job in 2005. When Merkel rose to power, many had dismissed her as inexperienced and uncharismatic. However, during her 15-year reign, Merkel has proved herself time and again. Merkel's achievements Three years into office, Merkel faced her greatest challenge in form of the 2008 financial crisis that shook entire Europe. However, not only did Merkel steer Germany during the meltdown, but she was at the heart of the response to the eurozone debt crisis — one that could have led to the economic collapse of Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Cyprus. Merkel held her own in front of adversaries, even when they tried to overpower or humiliate her. One famous instance of this is when Vladimir Putin brought a dog into a meeting with Merkel. It is quite popularly known that Merkel is afraid of dogs. However, the leader handled the situation with the utmost grace and confidence. Hard days Her last years in office, however, were upended by a refugee crisis. More than one million refugees arrived in Germany in 2015. Not only did Merkel welcome them, but she even convinced some European allies to accept some of them. In 2018, she was elected for a record fourth term in office, but her party lost votes which forced Merkel to form a grand collation to keep power. Realising the end of the road is near, Merkel decided she will not run for a fifth term. Her departure might trigger uncertainty as Germany hasn't been immune to the rise of the right. Parties like the alternative for Germany ate into the votes of established players in the last election. The European Union remains a divided bloc, especially after the UK's exit from the EU. The coronavirus has also widened the differences, with authoritarian leaders in Hungary and Poland often rejecting the proposals laid out by their European partners. So far, Merkel has managed to keep key allies together. However, both at home, and in the continent, the next leader of Germany has some big shoes to fill.

End of an era: German Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to step down after 15 years

A Russian court has ordered opposition leader Alexey Navalny to be kept in custody until February 15. Meanwhile, after the court's orders, Navalny put out a video message and urged his supporters to hit the streets and not remain silent.

Opposition leader Navalny urges his supporters to hit the streets

Russia's poisoned opposition leader Alexey Navalny has been detained for 30 days after his arrival from Berlin. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Russian President Vladimir Putin feels so threatened by Navalny.

Gravitas: Russia detains Opposition leader Alexey Navalny

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been detained after landing in Moscow. The hearing to extend his detention was held at a Police station instead of a court. He has been denied access to legal representation.

WION Dispatch: Alexei Navalny has been denied access to legal representation

Russian Police detained prominent Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on arrival in Moscow after he flew from Berlin, Germany for the first time since he was poisoned last summer.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny detained on arrival from Berlin

Kremlin critic Alexie Navalny is all set to return to Russia on Sunday. Navalny is returning to the country the first time since he was poisoned. Navalny also faces the risk of being jailed on his return from Germany.

Kremlin critic Navalny set to return to Moscow, shrugs risks of being jailed

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is stepping down after 16 years in office. Centrist Armin Laschet has now been elected as the leader of Germany's Christian Democrat.

Germany: Armin Laschet elected as a leader of Angela Merkel's CDU party

Kremlin critic Alexie Navalny is all set to return to Russia on Sunday, which will bring him back to the country where he suffered a near-fatal attack. Navalny also faces the risk of being jailed on his return from Germany.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny vows to return to Russia

Germany’s Christian Democrats elect a new chairman on Saturday, aiming to unite their conservative party behind a new leader who they hope can succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor when she steps down after federal elections in September.

At stake is the leadership of Europe’s biggest economy in the era after Merkel, who has vowed not to run again after becoming Europe’s predominant leader since taking office in 2005 and proving a winner with German voters.

The new CDU leader will be elected by 1,001 delegates at a digital congress. By tradition, the leader is usually - though not always - the chancellor candidate for the CDU’s “Union” with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU).

Centrist Armin Laschet, arch-conservative Friedrich Merz and foreign policy expert Norbert Roettgen are vying for the CDU leadership.

However, polls show Markus Soeder, the CSU leader, is voters’ choice conservative. Some CDU lawmakers want dynamic Health Minister Jens Spahn to run for chancellor, though he has backed Laschet for the party leadership.

The three declared CDU candidates all contrast with Merkel.

Roettgen, 55, the eloquent chairman of parliament’s foreign affairs committee, wants Germany to take a firmer stance with Russia and China. Merz, 65, has targeted European Central Bank policy and is less diplomatic. Laschet, 59, who has polished his international profile, complains Berlin has taken “too long to react” to French calls for European Union reform.

Roettgen has suggested that, if elected CDU leader, he could support Soeder, Bavaria’s premier, to run as chancellor candidate for their alliance.

Soeder, 54, has shifted from the right towards the moderate centre of late. He plays coy about his ambitions - “My place is in Bavaria” has been his repeated refrain.

Carsten Nickel at Teneo, a political risk consultancy, said Soeder’s deft move towards the centre ground could make him the ideal candidate to lead a coalition with the ecologist Greens.

“But of course, the true challenges will arise when liberal and conservative demands clash,” Nickel added.

Germany’s Christian Democrats elect a new chairman on Saturday, aiming to unite their conservative party behind a new leader who they hope can succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor when she steps down after federal elections in September.

Germany’s Christian Democrats elect a new chairman on Saturday, aiming to unite their conservative party behind a new leader who they hope can succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor when she steps down after federal elections in September. At stake is the leadership of Europe’s biggest economy in the era after Merkel, who has vowed not to run again after becoming Europe’s predominant leader since taking office in 2005 and proving a winner with German voters. The new CDU leader will be elected by 1,001 delegates at a digital congress. By tradition, the leader is usually - though not always - the chancellor candidate for the CDU’s “Union” with its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). Centrist Armin Laschet, arch-conservative Friedrich Merz and foreign policy expert Norbert Roettgen are vying for the CDU leadership. However, polls show Markus Soeder, the CSU leader, is voters’ choice conservative. Some CDU lawmakers want dynamic Health Minister Jens Spahn to run for chancellor, though he has backed Laschet for the party leadership. The three declared CDU candidates all contrast with Merkel. Roettgen, 55, the eloquent chairman of parliament’s foreign affairs committee, wants Germany to take a firmer stance with Russia and China. Merz, 65, has targeted European Central Bank policy and is less diplomatic. Laschet, 59, who has polished his international profile, complains Berlin has taken “too long to react” to French calls for European Union reform. Roettgen has suggested that, if elected CDU leader, he could support Soeder, Bavaria’s premier, to run as chancellor candidate for their alliance. Soeder, 54, has shifted from the right towards the moderate centre of late. He plays coy about his ambitions - “My place is in Bavaria” has been his repeated refrain. Carsten Nickel at Teneo, a political risk consultancy, said Soeder’s deft move towards the centre ground could make him the ideal candidate to lead a coalition with the ecologist Greens. “But of course, the true challenges will arise when liberal and conservative demands clash,” Nickel added.

End of Merkel era begins as German CDU picks new party leader

In a bid to help the Russian government in their investigation against the Kremlin-critic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/alexei-navalny">Alexei Navalny's </a>alleged poisoning case, Germany has transmitted transcripts of interviews.

The transcripts are from the various interviews the German authorities conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August for treatment.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-could-face-35-years-in-jail-on-return-to-russia-lawyer-356701">Kremlin critic Navalny could face 3.5 years in jail on return to Russia: Lawyer&nbsp;</a>

Navalny fell critically ill on a flight and his team had alleged he had been poisoned by the Kremlin — a claim Putin's government had constantly declined.

However, several international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok.

Now, Germany — which had openly opposed Russia on this — has said it has answered all calls from Russia for aid in their independent Navalny probe.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-doctor-at-hospital-that-treated-navalny-promoted-341379" hreflang="en">Head doctor at hospital that treated Navalny promoted</a>

Germany has "responded yesterday to the four requests for legal assistance from the prosecution office of Russia in connection to the murder attempt on Alexei Navalny in Russia," country's justice ministry said.

Police investigators of Germany had questioned Navalny, during which he had "provided extensive answers to questions sent through by the Russian prosecutor", said a spokesman for the German justice ministry.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-tried-to-kill-me-putin-critic-navalny-to-return-to-russia-on-january-17-after-recovering-from-poisoning-356429">&nbsp;'They tried to kill me': Putin critic Navalny to return to Russia on January 17 after recovering from poisoning</a>

"The government assumes that the Russian government will now take all necessary steps to clear up this crime against Mr Navalny," the spokesperson said. "All the information necessary in criminal investigations like blood and tissue samples, clothing pieces, are in, are available in Russia."

This has come a few days after it was reported by Russia's local media that Navalny has been&nbsp;put on a national wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

In a bid to help the Russian government in their investigation against the Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning case, Germany has transmitted transcripts of interviews.

In a bid to help the Russian government in their investigation against the Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning case, Germany has transmitted transcripts of interviews. The transcripts are from the various interviews the German authorities conducted with Navalny after he was evacuated to Berlin in late August for treatment. Also read| Kremlin critic Navalny could face 3.5 years in jail on return to Russia: Lawyer Navalny fell critically ill on a flight and his team had alleged he had been poisoned by the Kremlin — a claim Putin's government had constantly declined. However, several international groups, including experts from Germany, conducted their own investigations and concluded he was poisoned by a nerve agent Novichok. Now, Germany — which had openly opposed Russia on this — has said it has answered all calls from Russia for aid in their independent Navalny probe. Also read| Head doctor at hospital that treated Navalny promoted Germany has "responded yesterday to the four requests for legal assistance from the prosecution office of Russia in connection to the murder attempt on Alexei Navalny in Russia," country's justice ministry said. Police investigators of Germany had questioned Navalny, during which he had "provided extensive answers to questions sent through by the Russian prosecutor", said a spokesman for the German justice ministry. Also read| 'They tried to kill me': Putin critic Navalny to return to Russia on January 17 after recovering from poisoning "The government assumes that the Russian government will now take all necessary steps to clear up this crime against Mr Navalny," the spokesperson said. "All the information necessary in criminal investigations like blood and tissue samples, clothing pieces, are in, are available in Russia." This has come a few days after it was reported by Russia's local media that Navalny has been put on a national wanted list because Russia's prison service accuses him of not reporting to them at the end of last year in connection with a suspended sentence for embezzlement which he was serving out.

Germany provides manuscripts of Navalny's interviews to Russia

Germany's economy shrank by 5.0% in 2020, less than expected and a smaller contraction than during the global financial crisis, as unprecedented government rescue and stimulus measures helped lessen the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Germany avoids record economic plunge in 2020 despite COVID-19 hit

According to the BDI industry association Europe’s largest economy, Germany is expected to grow 3.5% this year after plunging roughly 5% in 2020

World Business Watch: German GDP expected to grow by 3.5% in 2021

Germany will be examining its security for its parliament as per the speaker of the house said Thursday. This move comes after angry protestors stormed into US Capitol on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-of-indian-flag-spotted-in-pro-trump-rally-at-us-capitol-goes-viral-355146" hreflang="en">Video of Indian flag spotted in pro-Trump rally at US Capitol goes viral</a>

During the summers last year, Germany witnessed similar sorts of the situation as the demonstrators, protesting against Merkel administration's restrictions due to COVID-19, tried to enter the Reichstag parliament building. However, they were repelled by police forces.

Following chaotic scenes overnight in the Capitol, German parliament speaker Wolfgang Schaeuble said he would examine "what conclusions should be drawn from this for the protection of the Bundestag", his office said in a statement.

ALSO SEE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-tear-gas-explosives-and-gunfire-trump-supporters-storm-capitol-clash-with-police-354961" hreflang="en">In pics-Tear gas, explosives and gunfire: Trump supporters storm Capitol, clash with police</a>

The Bundestag is the lower house in Germany with lawmaker strength of 709, whereas, Reichstag is the building where the work is carried out.&nbsp;

The German embassy in the United States requested to provide a report on how the "violent excesses could have happened in the Capitol".

The federal interior ministry, security forces of the parliamentary groups, and the state of Berlin have been given the task to examine Bundestag's protection and whether it needs to be beefed up.&nbsp;

Many lawmakers of far-right AfD party were involved in the anti-virus restrictions march. They have also been accused of inviting into the parliament building protesters who went on to harass other MPs. However, leaders of the AfD released a statement Thursday denying any links to heated virus-sceptic protests in front of the Reichstag building last year.

"Anyone who equates the unrest in Washington with the demonstrations that took place before the Reichstag building in Berlin, and who points to our party's sympathy for these events, is abusing the anarchist events for political purposes in Germany," they said in a statement.

Germany will be examining its security for its parliament as per the speaker of the house said Thursday. This move comes after angry protestors stormed into US Capitol on Wednesday.

Germany will be examining its security for its parliament as per the speaker of the house said Thursday. This move comes after angry protestors stormed into US Capitol on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Video of Indian flag spotted in pro-Trump rally at US Capitol goes viral During the summers last year, Germany witnessed similar sorts of the situation as the demonstrators, protesting against Merkel administration's restrictions due to COVID-19, tried to enter the Reichstag parliament building. However, they were repelled by police forces. Following chaotic scenes overnight in the Capitol, German parliament speaker Wolfgang Schaeuble said he would examine "what conclusions should be drawn from this for the protection of the Bundestag", his office said in a statement. ALSO SEE: In pics-Tear gas, explosives and gunfire: Trump supporters storm Capitol, clash with police The Bundestag is the lower house in Germany with lawmaker strength of 709, whereas, Reichstag is the building where the work is carried out. The German embassy in the United States requested to provide a report on how the "violent excesses could have happened in the Capitol". The federal interior ministry, security forces of the parliamentary groups, and the state of Berlin have been given the task to examine Bundestag's protection and whether it needs to be beefed up. Many lawmakers of far-right AfD party were involved in the anti-virus restrictions march. They have also been accused of inviting into the parliament building protesters who went on to harass other MPs. However, leaders of the AfD released a statement Thursday denying any links to heated virus-sceptic protests in front of the Reichstag building last year. "Anyone who equates the unrest in Washington with the demonstrations that took place before the Reichstag building in Berlin, and who points to our party's sympathy for these events, is abusing the anarchist events for political purposes in Germany," they said in a statement.

Berlin to examine parliament security after US Capitol violence

Germany is European Union's largest economy. The manufacturing PMI rose to 58.3 from 57.8 in November.

World Business Watch: German manufacturing picks up steam

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