Germany

The German economy is in a severe industrial downturn, with Volkswagen halting production at four plants and reporting a sharp profit drop, while workers face cost cuts and protests. In contrast, Deutsche Bank posts record profits and Uber acquires Delivery Hero, showing a split between traditional manufacturing and financial/tech sectors.

• 20Volkswagen, BMW, and Audi hit by China slowdown and US tariffs
• 19Volkswagen to halt production at four German plants due to crisis
• 14Volkswagen reports sharp profit drop, cuts sales forecast
• 10BP puts UK North Sea oil and gas business up for sale
• 10Volkswagen plans cost cuts for workers while paying billions to shareholders

Chancellor Merz faces a party rebellion over his cabinet reshuffle, with growing internal criticism and a leadership test. The AfD gains ground in Saxony-Anhalt polls, while opposition leader Spahn resigns after a surrogate baby controversy, reshaping the political opposition.

• 36German Chancellor Merz faces backlash over cabinet reshuffle and security demands
• 34German Parliament Passes Controversial Health and Heating Laws
• 31German opposition leader Spahn resigns after surrogate baby controversy
• 27AfD Leads in Saxony-Anhalt Polls Ahead of State Election
• 27AfD Party Congress in Erfurt: Chrupalla Satisfied with Result

The Berlin Pride attack dominates security discourse, with a van ramming killing one and injuring many, the suspect later killed in a police operation. Prosecutors report an ISIS pledge on the attacker's phone, sparking debate on Islamist monitoring. Separately, a hostage standoff in Berlin ends peacefully.

• 136Van rams Berlin Pride crowd, killing one; police hunt suspect
• 47Trump says US will let Ukraine build Patriot missiles
• 10Berlin Pride attacker recorded ISIS pledge on phone, prosecutors say
• 10Berlin Pride Attack Sparks Debate on Islamist Monitoring
• 10Hostage standoff at Berlin supermarket ends after 11 hours

The dominant societal tension is the AfD's rise and its polarizing effect, culminating in protests at its party congress and a wreath-laying controversy at Stauffenberg commemoration. The Berlin Pride attack has shifted public anger toward Islamist extremism, with the AfD leader expressing shock and the parade canceled.

• 42AfD party congress begins despite protests and blockades
• 13Berlin Pride attack sparks political blame and Islamism debate
• 11AfD leader shocked by Berlin CSD attack; parade canceled
• 10AfD wreath at Stauffenberg commemoration causes uproar in Berlin
• 6AfD in Focus: Zeh Defends Voters, Hallervorden Fears Magdeburg Win