Germany facing coronavirus ‘epidemic,’ govt can no longer track infection chains – health minister

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has said that his country is facing a “coronavirus epidemic.” Since breaking out in northern Italy, the deadly COVID-19 virus has spread to more than a dozen European countries. … Read More >Germany facing coronavirus ‘epidemic,’ govt can no longer track infection chains – health minister

Why Merkel & Macron Likely to Support Moscow, Not Ankara at Proposed March Talks

The Turkish president signalled Tuesday that the 5 March talks with his Russian, German, and French counterparts on the Idlib crisis are still under consideration. Middle East experts Ghassan Kadi and Chris Assad have explained why there are only a few options on the table for Ankara at the potential talks. … Read More >Why Merkel & Macron Likely to Support Moscow, Not Ankara at Proposed March Talks

‘Chaotic Demoralized Union’: Merkel’s CDU laments ‘bitter day’ after losing big in Hamburg state election

Leadership chaos and the recent scandal in Thuringia – where the CDU sided with the tabooed AfD – led voters to punish the chancellor’s party in Germany’s second-largest city, its top-tier members and opponents believe. … Read More >‘Chaotic Demoralized Union’: Merkel’s CDU laments ‘bitter day’ after losing big in Hamburg state election

German police raid Hanau shooting suspect’s home, discover him ‘dead with another body nearby’

The suspect behind a shooting rampage that killed nine people in Germany has been found dead in his home, along with the body of another person, according to police. The circumstances of his death remain unclear. … Read More >German police raid Hanau shooting suspect’s home, discover him ‘dead with another body nearby’

Merkel’s would-be successor Kramp-Karrenbauer steps down as CDU head amid coalition mayhem

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Germany’s Defense Minister and Angela Merkel’s protégé, is resigning as leader of the Chancellor’s CDU party and will not seek to compete for the country’s top job in the next election. … Read More >Merkel’s would-be successor Kramp-Karrenbauer steps down as CDU head amid coalition mayhem

US Plans to Slap Nord Stream 2 With New Sanctions in February-March – Report

The US is preparing another strike against the Russian-European pipeline project Nord Stream 2, the German Business outlet Handelsblatt reports, citing its sources in the diplomatic circles in Washington. According to the outlet, if Russia attempts to complete the rest of the pipeline under the Baltic Sea after the Swiss contractor Allseas Group S.A. … Read More >US Plans to Slap Nord Stream 2 With New Sanctions in February-March – Report