March 27, 2026 — Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany may need to keep coal-fired power stations running longer as the war in the Middle East strains energy security. Speaking at a Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung event in Frankfurt, Merz warned he was unwilling to jeopardize Germany’s core energy supply to meet previously agreed phase-out deadlines. He said renewables, which accounted for nearly 60% of generation by 2024, will continue to grow but must be backed up by natural gas, and he ruled out a near-term revival of nuclear power. Germany has planned to end coal use by 2038 after coal’s share fell below 22% in 2024.
Mental health services
Waiting lists for psychotherapy across Germany remain long, with some patients waiting more than a year for treatment. The situation could deteriorate if proposed cuts to psychotherapists’ fees take effect in April. Demonstrations have been held in several cities 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 walkout was scheduled; union leaders said negotiations are still possible but warned staff are prepared to escalate if talks stall.
Deutsche Bahn losses and pay
State-owned Deutsche Bahn posted a €2.3 billion net loss after a write-down of its long-distance DB Fernverkehr unit, citing slow infrastructure progress and reduced revenue forecasts. Despite an increased operating profit, CEO Evelyn Palla said it will take at least a decade to restore the network. The company disclosed total executive pay of €17.3 million for the year, including severance and bonuses, with former CEO Richard Lutz receiving almost €5.5 million partly as 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. Prosecutors say he led a pro-Assad militia that targeted protesters and handed detainees to regime authorities where they faced torture. The defendant faces charges including murder and multiple counts of crimes against humanity; the trial is expected to run until mid-July.
SPD leadership confidence low
A ZDF Politbarometer poll found 75% of respondents do not trust Social Democratic Party leaders Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas to pull the party out of its crisis following electoral setbacks. Among self-identified SPD supporters, 56% shared that view. If a federal election were held now, the poll put the SPD at a historic low of 13%, with the CDU/CSU and the AfD each at 26%.
Invasive Asian needle ant found
Researchers confirmed a colony of the Asian needle ant near Stuttgart after a student noticed unusual ants at Wilhelma Zoo. Native to East Asia, the species can deliver painful, potentially allergy-inducing stings and is listed by the EU as ecologically problematic. Scientists warned the ants appear capable of establishing populations that survive German winters and called for monitoring to prevent wider spread.
Runneburg Castle fire likely accidental
Investigators concluded that a fire at 12th-century Runneburg Castle in Thuringia was likely caused by a technical defect in a storage-room electrical cable, possibly after a rodent chewed the insulation. Authorities found no signs of arson and damage assessments continue.
Pension reform replaces Riester
Parliament voted to replace the long-unpopular Riester private pension scheme with a new state-backed savings model designed to be simpler, cheaper and more attractive to low-income earners and families. The reform expands eligibility to self-employed people, simplifies subsidies and aims to phase out new Riester contracts. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil described the change as a milestone.
Kurdish community protests planned Syrian visit
Germany’s Kurdish umbrella group criticised 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 normalising relations. Kurdish leaders said al-Sharaa lacks legitimacy and accused him of responsibility for abuses against minorities.
Scholars criticise Merkel on selective international law
Dozens of legal scholars urged the German government to condemn US operations in Iran and Venezuela, arguing that failing to challenge such actions undermines the rule of law and reflects a selective approach to international legal norms.
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 linked 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 sandbank off Germany’s Baltic coast after several days of efforts. The animal eventually swam away following repeated attempts to refloat it.
Other developments
The day’s stories reflected a wide range of political, social and environmental issues: ongoing debates over energy security in light of the Middle East war, labour disputes at airlines and on the rails, pension reform, legal and human rights controversies, and local environmental and conservation incidents.