By ditching its revered debt brake Germany has veered radically and unexpectedly off course. Brian Melican explains how it happened and what it all means for Germany and its residents.

From the apparent success of Merz’ multi-billion spending proposal to the coming of spring and a potential boycott of US goods and services in Germany, here’s what we’re talking about at The Local this week.

Berlin’s public transport system will face significant disruptions next week as services union Verdi calls on BVG employees to strike.

An apparent technical glitch in the UK’s new ETA electronic visa-waiver is effectively barring entry to the UK to some British dual nationals, The Local can reveal.

Germany’s CDU/CSU and SPD kicked off the next intensive phase of coalition negotiations on Friday. But though the parties have already set out broad plans for a future government, a number of questions remain.

An economic think-tank slashed its 2025 growth forecast for Germany to zero on Friday, warning of “erratic” US trade policy, but added plans for higher public spending could provide a boost.

Spring is right around the corner with the promise of warmer weather, flower blossoms and longer days. Celebrate the change of season like a German at one of these unmissable festivals.

Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday his conservatives had struck a deal with the Greens on massively boosting defence and infrastructure spending, paving the way for the plan’s approval in parliament.

It’s crunch time in public-sector negotiations as unions Verdi and DBB sit down for a third round of talks with employers. If they can’t reach a deal, there could be unlimited strikes in transport, Kitas and care homes around Germany.

The far-right AfD celebrated a historic election triumph in Germany last month but that has not put to bed the grievances held by followers in the party’s heartlands in the ex-communist east.