March 27, 2026 — Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany may need to keep coal-fired power plants online longer amid the energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. Speaking at a Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung event in Frankfurt, Merz warned he was “not ready to gamble with the core of our energy supply just because we agreed on some deadlines years ago.” He noted that renewable sources — nearly 60% of generation by 2024 — will continue to expand but will need to be supplemented by natural gas, and he ruled out a near-term return to nuclear power. Germany has planned to phase out coal by 2038 after its share fell to under 22% in 2024.
Mental health services
Waiting lists for psychotherapy in Germany are long, with patients sometimes waiting more than a year. The situation could worsen if planned cuts to psychotherapists’ fees take effect in April. Demonstrations have taken place across the country and a nationwide protest was planned for March 28.
Lufthansa cabin crew vote
Cabin crew at Lufthansa and Lufthansa CityLine voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, the Independent Flight Attendants’ Organization (UFO) said, reporting 94% support at Lufthansa and 99% at CityLine. No immediate strike was planned; union leaders said talks remain possible but warned crews are ready to take further steps if employers stall.
Deutsche Bahn losses and pay
State-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn reported a €2.3 billion net loss after writing down the value of its long-distance DB Fernverkehr unit, citing slow infrastructure improvements and weaker future revenue expectations. Despite an operating profit increase, CEO Evelyn Palla said it would take at least a decade to restore the network. The company also disclosed total executive pay of €17.3 million for the year, including severance and bonuses, with former CEO Richard Lutz receiving nearly €5.5 million partly in severance.
Syrian militia trial in Berlin
A 41-year-old Syrian man who arrived in Germany in 2015 went on trial in Berlin accused of murder and crimes against humanity for allegedly leading a pro-Assad militia that targeted protesters, handing detainees to regime authorities where they faced torture. The defendant faces charges including murder and eight counts of crimes against humanity; the trial is expected to conclude in mid-July.
SPD leadership confidence low
A ZDF Politbarometer poll found that 75% of respondents do not trust Social Democratic Party (SPD) leaders Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas to steer the party out of its crisis after electoral losses. Within SPD supporters, 56% shared that view. If a federal election were held now, the poll placed the SPD at a historic low of 13%, with the CDU/CSU and AfD each at 26%.
Invasive Asian needle ant found
Researchers confirmed a colony of the Asian needle ant near Stuttgart after a student spotted unusual ants at Wilhelma Zoo. Native to East Asia, the species can deliver painful, potentially allergy-inducing stings and is considered highly problematic by the EU for its ecological impacts. Scientists warned the ants appear to be establishing populations capable of surviving German winters and called for monitoring to prevent wider spread.
Runneburg Castle fire likely accidental
Investigations into a fire at 12th-century Runneburg Castle in Thuringia concluded a technical defect in a storage-room electrical cable likely caused the blaze, probably initiated by a rodent chewing insulation. Authorities found no signs of arson; damage assessments continue.
Pension reform replaces Riester
Parliament voted to replace the unpopular Riester private pension system with a new state-backed savings model intended to be simpler, cheaper and more attractive for low-income earners and families. The reform expands eligibility to self-employed workers, simplifies subsidies and aims to phase out new Riester contracts. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil called it a “milestone.”
Kurdish community protests planned Syrian visit
Germany’s Kurdish umbrella group criticized a planned visit by Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to Berlin, urging the government to demand human rights guarantees and democratic reforms before any normalization. Kurdish leaders accused al-Sharaa of lacking legitimacy and of responsibility for abuses against minorities.
Scholars criticize Merkel of selective international law approach
Dozens of legal scholars urged the German government to condemn US operations in Iran and Venezuela, arguing that letting such actions go unpunished undermines the rule of law. The call linked to broader criticism of selective application of international law in diplomatic stances.
Ex-RAF member faces new charges
Daniela Klette, a former Red Army Faction member arrested in Berlin in 2024, faces new federal charges including attempted murder, involvement in explosive attacks, kidnapping for extortion and aggravated robbery tied to attacks from 1990–1993. She is already on trial in a separate case over robberies allegedly used to finance life underground.
Whale rescue off Baltic coast
Rescuers freed a humpback whale that had been stranded on a sand bank off Germany’s Baltic coast after several days of efforts. The animal eventually swam to freedom following repeated attempts.
Other developments
Germany’s move to overhaul private pensions, ongoing debates over energy security amid the Middle East war, labor tensions at airlines and rail, and a string of criminal and environmental stories reflected a wide-ranging news day across political, social and ecological issues.