district in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Thorsten Frei and Matthias Miersch on "Caren Miosga": "Nationalizations are the dumbest thing you can do"
tagesspiegel.de/politik/thorsten-frei-und-matthias-miersch-bei-caren-miosga-vergesellschaftungen-sind-das-dummste-was-man-uberhaupt-machen-kann-16175326.html
Eight-year-old gets her own exhibition - | and becomes a minor art sensation: "I don't know any other eight-year-old with her own exhibition": How Milia from ...
swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/ulm/milia-holl-achtjaehrige-kunstausstellung-lonsee-100.html
Esslingen district: He donates his tattoo fees to animals in need: Since 2021, tattoo artist Ioannis Kousidis has run his Meraki studio in Nellingen ...
stuttgarter-zeitung.de/lokales/esslingen/kreis-esslingen-sein-tattoo-honorar-spendet-er-fuer-tiere-in-not-79569972.html
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Landstraße bis in den Abend gesperrt: Schwerer Frontalzusammenstoß bei Nerenstetten
swp.de/lokales/ulm/landstrasse-bis-in-den-abend-gesperrt-schwerer-frontalzusammenstoss-bei-nerenstetten-79592806.html
Next row in the federal government – CDU/CSU rejects plastic tax plan: The federal government is planning a plastic tax on packaging starting in 2027 ...
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article6ad05a4302e608379430735a/naechster-krach-in-der-bundesregierung-union-lehnt-plastiksteuer-plan-ab.html
After cabinet decision: CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader demands changes to sugar tax
lebensmittelzeitung.net/politik/nachrichten/nach-kabinettsbeschluss-unionsfraktionschef-fordert-aenderungen-bei-zuckersteuer-193811
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Coalition: And then Thorsten Frei hints at a solution in the pension dispute: At the end of a chaotic week, the parliamentary leaders of the CDU/CSU and SPD ...
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-10/koalition-miersch-frei-miosga
Paid articlePaywallVisiting dog at the Erbach senior citizens' center: Golden Retriever Even brings joy, conversations and rare smiles
swp.de/lokales/ulm/besuchshund-im-seniorenzentrum-erbach-golden-retriever-even-sorgt-fuer-freude-gespraeche-und-seltenes-laecheln-79569615.html
Paid articlePaywallGerman Armed Forces on the move near Dornstadt: Who's rolling in for the "Blue Hermes" exercise
swp.de/lokales/ulm/bundeswehr-unterwegs-bei-dornstadt-wer-zur-uebung-blauer-hermes-so-alles-anrollt-79569635.html
Private health insurance: Thorsten Frei announces fair solution for specialist appointments
ksta.de/politik/krankenkassen-thorsten-frei-kuendigt-gerechte-loesung-bei-facharztterminen-an-1398225
Next clash: CDU/CSU demands changes to sugar tax - | "We need transition periods"
giessener-anzeiger.de/politik/zuckersteuer-auf-softdrinks-frei-fordert-laengere-fristen-zr-94545836.html
The Jens Spahn case shows who is now creating the facts in the CDU: Jens Spahn resigns his seat on the Budget Committee. The case reveals a power shift within ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/der-fall-jens-spahn-zeigt--wer-in-der-cdu-jetzt-die-fakten-schafft-38319694.html
Key FactsSpahn withdraws from budget committee after Sardinia photo
Sep 29, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
- Jens Spahn was photographed at Sardinia’s airport last week during the Bundestag’s parliamentary session week.
- Following public outrage and demands for consequences within the Union parliamentary group, Spahn announced his withdrawal from the budget committee.
- He cites difficulty maintaining normal work and says he will focus on the Steinfurt I–Borken I constituency.
- Following strong criticism, CDU Minister of State Philipp Amthor plans to remove a beach chair installed on the Chancellery balcony.
"normal work"— Jens Spahn explains that his withdrawal is due to 'normal work' being hardly possible for him.
With regard to pension reform, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei emphasized on the "Markus Lanz" talk show that the pension commission's ... Show more
Renovation underway: Café and bakery - | Bopp opens in Dornstadt: The stone oven bakery from Türkheim is renovating the premises that most recently housed the ...
swp.de/lokales/ulm/umbau-laeuft-cafe-und-baeckerei-bopp-eroeffnet-in-dornstadt-79543506.html
Paid articlePaywallB10 renovation: Construction phase on Geislinger Steige extended: The final phase of work on the Geislinger Steige begins. The closure will be extended towards ...
swp.de/lokales/geislingen/sanierung-der-b10-bauabschnitt-auf-geislinger-steige-wird-verlaengert-79552851.html
Successful birth instead of misfortune: Alarm about baby in river leads to a curious rescue operation
swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/ulm/grossalarm-baby-schmiech-ehingen-geburt-100.html
Waste disposal in the Alb-Donau district: "A drastic jump" - | Garbage fees set to rise massively in 2027
swp.de/lokales/ulm/abfallentsorgung-im-alb-donau-kreis-ein-krasser-sprung-muellgebuehren-sollen-2027-massiv-steigen-79532357.html
Paid articlePaywallRacism in Blaubeuren: Call for hospitality without hate and incitement: Schwanenwirtin Cornelia Schneider wants to encourage everyone to show civil courage after ...
swp.de/lokales/ulm/rassismus-in-blaubeuren-aufruf-zu-gastfreundschaft-ohne-hass-und-hetze-79524599.html
Paid articlePaywallTrail runners from Asselfingen: How Benjamin and Dominik Klöppel support each other despite an 800-kilometer distance
swp.de/sport/sport-ulm-alb-donau-kreis/traillaeufer-aus-asselfingen-wie-sich-benjamin-und-dominik-kloeppel-trotz-800-kilometern-abstand-gegenseitig-tragen-79490428.html
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Police car crashes head-on into a Peugeot: A head-on collision occurred Wednesday morning near Emerkingen. A police patrol car crashed into another vehicle.
schwaebische.de/regional/ulm-alb-donau/ehingen/polizeiauto-kracht-frontal-in-einen-peugeot-4903477
Pepper spray attack in Ehingen: Police investigate after incident at the autumn festival.
suedkurier.de/kreis-konstanz/reizgas-angriff-ehingen-polizei-ermittelt-nach-vorfall-beim-herbstfest-115368876
Paid articlePaywallFrei: | "Federal coercion" against AfD state government possible: The CDU/CSU is discussing the consequences of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/unionsfraktionschef-frei-afd-landesregierung-bundeszwang-100.html
Key FactsFrei Calls Federal Compulsion a Possible Last Resort
Sep 12, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- The AfD won Saxony-Anhalt’s state election by a wide margin last Sunday and is now seeking to form a government.
- Thorsten Frei considers federal compulsion possible as a last resort if an AfD state government potentially violated the constitution.
- Article 37 of the Basic Law allows the federal government, with Bundesrat approval, to compel a non-cooperative state to fulfill its duties.
- The federal government would have authority to issue instructions to all states and authorities; the provision has never been used.
The federal compulsion is an ultimate measure. Should the situation require it, we will of course enforce the Basic Law and use all instruments.— Thorsten Frei, Leader of the Union parliamentary group, told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland newspapers.
Parliamentary group leader Frei rules out minority government and warns: "Would be the end of the Union"
giessener-anzeiger.de/politik/unions-fraktionschef-frei-schliesst-minderheitsregierung-aus-zr-94500237.html
“As soon as possible”: Frei wants to lower fuel prices - | and names his desired date
rosenheim24.de/politik/unionsfraktionschef-frei-bei-maischberger-spritpreise-sollen-bereits-in-zwei-wochen-sinken-zr-94496170.html
The #Hundeschwimmen in #Langenau was so cute! 🐕😍 🌊 On Monday (September 14th), dog owners from the #Ulm region flocked to the #Naubad swimming pool in Langenau for the second ... Show more
Thorsten Frei: "A minority government would be madness": Could the CDU/CSU parliamentary group opt for a minority government instead of a grand coalition? The ...
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/politik/thorsten-frei-minderheitsregierung-waere-irrsinn-79477028.html
Paid articlePaywall High fuel prices: Will the tax cut come in October?: Relief from fuel prices from October? In view of the high fuel prices, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader ...
stuttgarter-zeitung.de/wirtschaft/benzin-und-diesel-werden-immer-teurer-entlastungen-beim-spritpreis-ab-oktober-79477613.html
Key FactsFrei backs possible relief at fuel stations from October
Sep 17, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stuttgarter-zeitung.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stuttgarter-zeitung.de
- Unions parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei raised October 1 as a possible starting date; no specific measure has been decided.
- He proposed either lower energy taxes or cutting value-added tax on petrol and diesel from 19 to 7 percent.
- Frei considers the date ambitious; in his view, the government and parliament would need to cooperate quickly.
- Because of tensions in the Persian Gulf, Frei also advocates a longer-term response.
"Do something" — and do it as quickly as possible.— Thorsten Frei, CDU politician, on the ARD program Maischberger, urging quick action to ease high fuel prices.
Green electricity in abundance, but still not energy self-sufficient - | how can that be?
swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/ulm/energie-berghuelen-ein-dorf-versorgt-sich-selbst-mit-strom-solar-wind-biogas-100.html
Thorsten Frei describes the CDU's result in the Saxony-Anhalt state election as catastrophic and even worse than feared based on the latest polls ... Show more
Mayor's deadline expired: These candidates are safe: Sechs Bewerberinnen und Bewerber buhlen um die Nachfolge von OB Alexander Baumann ...
schwaebische.de/regional/ulm-alb-donau/ehingen/ob-frist-abgelaufen-diese-kandidaten-sind-sicher-4861956
Mayoral election in Erbach: Incumbent remains the only candidate.: The application period for the office of mayor in Erbach has expired. The municipal election ...
schwaebische.de/regional/ulm-alb-donau/erbach/buergermeisterwahl-in-erbach-amtsinhaber-bleibt-einziger-kandidat-4842021
Merz considering resignation due to "terrible" poll results? Frei reacts: The poll results are in the basement, and criticism of the Chancellor is high ...
merkur.de/politik/merz-ruecktritt-wegen-schrecklicher-umfrage-werte-frei-reagiert-94460004.html
Thorsten Frei in Kühlungsborn: CDU parliamentary group leader wants to help entrepreneurs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/rostock-lk/bad-doberan/thorsten-frei-in-kuehlungsborn-cdu-fraktionschef-will-unternehmern-in-mv-helfen-ZM7LYYHPPNEW7AJA2MKGRI57RA.html
Merz in poll disaster: 82 percent don't believe in a turnaround - | Resignation never an option according to Frei
fr.de/politik/friedrich-merz-im-umfrage-tief-rueckzug-laut-frei-nie-thema-zr-94460742.html
Third practice closure causes major uproar in the region: Another doctor's practice is closing. With Achim Spitzmüller's closure, Allmendingen loses one ...
schwaebische.de/regional/ulm-alb-donau/ehingen/dritte-praxis-schliessung-sorgt-fuer-grosse-aufregung-in-der-region-4821749
A8 near Merklingen: Truck crashes into minibus - | Traffic jam and closures: Several accidents occurred on the A8 near Merklingen. A truck crashed into a ...
gmuender-tagespost.de/baden-wuerttemberg/unfaelle-auf-a8-merklingen-stau-und-sperrungen-94475911.html
Key FactsBrosius-Gersdorf Says AfD Partly Responsible for Campaign
Aug 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- On July 11, 2025, the planned election of her to Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court fell through.
- In August 2025, she withdrew her candidacy after weeks of debate, citing the perceived threat of a coalition breakup.
- Brosius-Gersdorf considers right-national circles, including the AfD, partly responsible and says her positions were incorrectly portrayed.
- For 2027, she plans a research project at the University of Potsdam on elections, truth, and protecting the Basic Law.
Right-wing nationalist circles such as the AfD are responsible for the campaign against me, partly backed by new right-wing media.— Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, stating that AfD-aligned circles were involved in the campaign against her.
Suddenly, the father was standing at the door and took his daughter away again.: A special moment in the lives of Edeltraud and Johannes Frank - | and for ...
schwaebische.de/regional/ulm-alb-donau/laichingen/auf-einmal-stand-der-vater-vor-der-tuer-und-nahm-seine-tochter-wieder-mit-4813894
“Unacceptable”: Mayor resigns from CDU in disappointment with Friedrich Merz and the federal party
merkur.de/politik/buergermeister-tritt-aus-enttaeuschung-mit-friedrich-merz-aus-cdu-aus-94438897.html
Key FactsOberstadion mayor leaves CDU over Merz and federal party
Aug 13, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- Kevin Wiest initially ran for mayor as a non-party candidate before joining the CDU eight years ago.
- He cites the hospital reform, the toll debate, urban security and the matter involving Jens Spahn among his reasons.
- Wiest stresses that his criticism concerns the federal level, while describing members of local CDU branches as good people.
- Federal Health Minister Carsten Linnemann recently warned that 50,000 CDU members could leave the party.
What the Chancellor is doing, in my view, is not tolerable for me.— Kevin Wiest, Mayor of Oberstadion, on his disappointment with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU at the federal level; statement related to his exit from the CDU.
51-year-old lawyer wants to become mayor of Ehingen: The 51-year-old, a native of Ehingen, wants to succeed Alexander Baumann as mayor of the large district town ...
schwaebische.de/regional/ulm-alb-donau/ehingen/51-jaehriger-rechtsanwalt-will-oberbuergermeister-von-ehingen-werden-4813381
Road closures in the municipality of Amstetten: Restrictions on two district roads on the Stubersheim Alb
swp.de/lokales/geislingen/strassensperrungen-in-der-gemeinde-amstetten-einschraenkungen-auf-zwei-kreisstrassen-auf-der-stubersheimer-alb-79403060.html
Passengers vote for "Richi": What makes this bus driver an everyday hero: Richi from Altheim (Alb) is one of the most popular bus drivers in Germany ...
swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/ulm/warum-richi-einer-der-beliebtesten-busfahrer-deutschlands-ist-100.html
Thorsten Frei in a ZDF Interview: No "Loss of Authority" for Merz: Thorsten Frei (CDU) was elected the new parliamentary group leader of the Union with 91 ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/frei-fraktionsvorsitzender-union-cdu-fraktion-was-nun-100.html
Key FactsMerz Faces Deepening CDU Leadership Crisis
Jul 30, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- Friedrich Merz is losing support within the CDU at a pace unlikely to be reversed by cabinet reshuffles.
- The controversy around Jens Spahn’s surrogacy revealed significant communication failures and alienation between Merz and his party.
- Merz’s leadership style and erratic decisions have sparked increasing criticism and eroded trust among CDU members.
- Internal party conflicts risk destabilizing the CDU during the 2026 election period and may signal the end of Merz’s chancellorship.
You are leading a party here, not a company.— Heiko Strohmann, Bremen CDU state chairman, reprimanding Merz over his leadership style.
Merz's Loss of Authority: The Union Makes It Through to the Summer Recess—But What Comes Next?
n-tv.de/politik/politik_kommentare/Union-rettet-sich-in-die-Sommerpause-aber-was-kommt-danach-id31139317.html
Key FactsReignited Surrogacy Debate Follows Spahn’s Resignation
Jul 22, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nzz.ch
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nzz.ch
- Jens Spahn’s resignation as CDU faction leader has triggered renewed debate on Germany’s approach to surrogacy.
- The Ethics Council calls for open dialogue, emphasizing surrogacy’s relevance for women unable to carry children and same-sex couples.
- Critics argue that the CDU/CSU denies women autonomy by supporting a paternalistic state controlling reproductive rights.
- Child welfare remains a largely overlooked issue, while the Union cites ethical, legal, and practical concerns to oppose surrogacy.
She wants a paternalistic state that, above all, knows what’s best for women and also for potential surrogates.— Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, Leipzig-based professor; quoted in Die Zeit about the CDU/CSU's stance on surrogacy.
👶👵 Who is the youngest and who is the oldest visitor at the #Obstwiesenfestival ? The #OWF in #Dornstadt is known for reaching a broad target group. Teenagers, families ... Show more
B10 accident near Dornstadt: First responders save scooter rider with resuscitation
augsburger-allgemeine.de/neu-ulm/dornstadt-ersthelfer-retten-rollerfahrerin-nach-schwerem-b10-unfall-hab-sie-daraufhin-halt-reanimiert-115044214
CDU parliamentary group leader Frei: CDU leadership wants to intervene in Saxony-Anhalt should the state CDU consider a coalition with the AfD
spiegel.de/politik/thorsten-frei-cdu-spitze-will-in-sachsen-anhalt-auf-kooperationsverbot-mit-afd-beharren-a-09f32bad-ec81-4790-b3f9-36a879d52fde
Key FactsFrei says CDU in Saxony-Anhalt cannot cooperate with AfD
Aug 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- The federal party would therefore not accept CDU participation in an AfD-led government after the election because the cooperation ban is a nationwide party principle.
- The Office for the Protection of the Constitution classifies the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as a confirmed right-wing extremist organisation, while recent polls put it far ahead of the CDU and leave an absolute majority possible.
- The CDU currently provides the state’s minister-president, Sven Schulze, and governs together with the SPD and FDP.
- Frei rejected speculation that Friedrich Merz could be removed as chancellor and party leader, saying Merz would remain chancellor for the entire legislative term.
The ban on cooperation with the AfD is a fundamental policy decision in the CDU. It cannot be answered differently depending on the state.— Thorsten Frei, Chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, told the Funke newspapers; on the question of cooperation with the AfD after the Saxony-Anhalt election.
Pension without deductions: CDU/CSU parliamentary group sticks to abolishing retirement at 63 despite criticism
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-08/abschlagsfreie-rente-45-jahre-rente-mit-63-rentenpaket-thorsten-frei
Key FactsRehlinger opposes planned abolition of pension at 63
Aug 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
- Anke Rehlinger, Saarland’s minister-president, opposes the planned abolition and says a new rule should not apply to people who planned differently.
- As a compromise, Rehlinger offers Söder concessions on the mini-job rule in return for a pension for long-term contributors based more on contribution years than age.
- CDU lawmaker Pascal Reddig warns against selective changes to the reform package; according to him, an unreduced pension after 45 contribution years costs about 13 billion euros annually.
- CSU leader Markus Söder warns that reopening the package could cause the entire pension reform to fail and calls for a long-term response to demographic change.
You shouldn't have to retire only when your body is breaking down.— Anke Rehlinger, Saarland's state premier, said this in the context of the debate over scrapping the 'Rente mit 63'; she emphasizes that retirement should not be delayed until the body fails.
Retirement at 63: Merz threatens "pension chaos" - | East German state leaders rebel
merkur.de/politik/gezerre-um-rente-mit-63-frei-sieht-wirklich-keinen-verhandlungsspielraum-zr-94427745.html
After power outage on Sunday: Schalkstetten and Bräunisheim still without internet, telephone and TV
swp.de/lokales/geislingen/nach-stromausfall-am-sonntag-schalkstetten-und-braeunisheim-weiter-ohne-internet-telefon-und-tv-79394320.html
Frei reaffirms ban on cooperation with AfD for CDU in Saxony-Anhalt.: According to the CDU parliamentary group leader, Thorsten Frei, the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt ...
faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/frei-bekraeftigt-kooperationsverbot-mit-afd-fuer-cdu-in-sachsen-anhalt-201107204.html
Key FactsFrei says CDU leadership rejects AfD coalition in Saxony-Anhalt
Aug 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
- After the election, Berlin’s CDU leadership would not allow the state branch, according to Thorsten Frei, to decide freely on an AfD coalition because the issue concerns the entire party.
- The Verfassungsschutz has classified the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as a confirmed right-wing extremist movement, while Minister-President Sven Schulze currently governs there with the CDU, SPD and FDP.
- Frei does not expect the September elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin to be a catastrophe, but anticipates effects on government work in Berlin.
- Thorsten Frei rejects speculation that Friedrich Merz could be replaced and says the elected chancellor will remain in office for the entire legislative term.
The cooperation ban with the AfD is a fundamental policy decision in the CDU. It cannot be answered differently depending on the federal state.— Thorsten Frei, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader; told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers about the CDU's stance on coalition options with the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt.
Early retirement debate: According to Thorsten Frei, renewed negotiations would be "a great danger"
merkur.de/boulevard/debatte-um-fruehrente-laut-thorsten-frei-waeren-erneute-verhandlungen-eine-grosse-gefahr-zr-94428489.html
Key FactsThorsten Frei warns against reopening pension package
Aug 4, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
- Frei said reopening individual elements could destabilize the whole package because different groups might seek to revise only one point each.
- According to Frei, the proposal presented by the pension commission in June balanced political positions as well as revenues and spending; additional expenditure on a funded pension made savings elsewhere necessary.
- Earlier, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Minister-President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) criticized the planned abolition of penalty-free early retirement on ZDF’s “Morgenmagazin.”
- Frei stressed that the aim was not to penalize people who work and contribute for the longest period, but to implement the package in full, calling the experts’ proposal highly convincing.
I believe it would be a great danger to do that.— Thorsten Frei on ntv Frühstart, warning against reopening the pension package or cherry-picking individual points
Two-hour operation: Firefighters rescue kitten from predicament: Laichingen: Firefighters rescue kitten from drainpipe in Suppingen on the L1236 ...
schwaebische.de/regional/ulm-alb-donau/laichingen/zweistuendiger-einsatz-feuerwehr-rettet-babykatze-aus-miserabler-lage-4778511
Animal welfare violations discovered in animal transport from Bulgaria.: A dog too weak to continue the journey, cats frightened: The veterinary office ...
pz-news.de/baden-wuerttemberg_artikel,-Tierschutz-Verstoesse-bei-Tiertransport-aus-Bulgarien-entdeckt-_arid,2364438.html
Personnel Shuffle in the Union: Warken to Become Head of the Chancellor's Office — Linnemann Named New Health Minister
n-tv.de/politik/Warken-soll-Kanzleramtschefin-werden-Linnemann-neuer-Gesundheitsminister-id31119069.html
Key FactsCabinet Reshuffle Sparks Shift in Health Policy Leadership
Jul 24, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: faz.net
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: faz.net
- Carsten Linnemann will assume the health ministry, replacing Nina Warken who moves to the chancellor’s office.
- Chancellor Merz confirmed multiple cabinet changes, including a new minister for federal-state relations.
- The successor for the transport ministry remains undecided after Fritz Güntzler declined the position.
- Linnemann’s background in social policy may influence upcoming healthcare reforms despite limited sector experience.
I think ten health insurers in Germany are enough. The government needs to step in.— Carsten Linnemann, CDU General Secretary, on the planned health reform
CDU leadership wants to prohibit CDU in eastern Germany from cooperating with the AfD
schwaebische.de/politik/cdu-spitze-will-cdu-im-osten-zusammenarbeit-mit-der-afd-untersagen-4772473
Key FactsFrei: CDU leadership would block an AfD coalition
Aug 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: schwaebische.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: schwaebische.de
- After the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the CDU leadership in Berlin would not allow the state branch to decide freely on a coalition with the AfD.
- Frei described the ban on cooperation as a CDU principle that could not be interpreted differently from one state to another.
- The Office for the Protection of the Constitution classified the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as a confirmed far-right extremist organisation; it is well ahead of the CDU in opinion polls, while the CDU currently governs with the SPD and FDP under Minister-President Sven Schulze.
- Elections for new state parliaments are planned in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin in September, which Frei said would affect government work in Berlin; he ruled out replacing the chancellor and said Friedrich Merz would remain in office for the entire term.
The cooperation ban with the AfD is a fundamental CDU policy decision. It cannot be answered differently depending on the state.— Thorsten Frei, CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader, told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers.
OpinionAfter the attack on the CSD: Where are we headed?: Thorsten Frei sees no need to explicitly protect sexual identity in the Basic Law. That would "overburden" the ...
fr.de/meinung/kommentare/unionsfraktionschef-lehnt-queeren-schutz-im-grundgesetz-ab-94435597.html
The dispute over the planned abolition of the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions is intensifying. While CDU/CSU parliamentary group ... Show more
Key FactsFrei sees no leeway on planned early-retirement abolition
Aug 4, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- Thorsten Frei, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, said he saw no room for negotiations and that the coalition would fully implement the pension commission’s recommendations, including the abolition.
- Seven of the 16 state premiers oppose the planned abolition, including the five eastern German leaders Manuela Schwesig, Michael Kretschmer, Mario Voigt, Sven Schulze and Dietmar Woidke.
- The proposal would end the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions, currently available from age 64.5, while the original model envisaged retirement at 63.
- Anke Rehlinger and Andreas Bovenschulte want to retain the rule, while Dennis Radtke is calling for reliable transitional provisions for people with particularly long contribution records.
No, I really do not see any room for negotiation.— Thorsten Frei, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, in a Welt TV interview about the pension package
“One after the other is closing down”: Citizen services are threatening their existence
schwaebische.de/regional/tuttlingen/trossingen/einer-nach-dem-anderen-macht-zu-buergerservice-bringt-sie-in-existenznot-4775550
Key FactsDigital Passport Photos Squeeze Local Studios
Aug 12, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: schwaebische.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: schwaebische.de
- The Federal Printing Office offered municipal offices free passport-photo machines, while each city could decide whether to install them.
- Michael Weber fears falling revenue could force the closure of Setzinger, his Tuttlingen photo shop, which has existed for 65 years.
- Since a machine was installed at Spaichingen’s citizens’ office in August 2025, Uwe Kukla has recorded a 30-to-50-percent drop in passport-photo revenue.
- In Trossingen, Alexander Jug offers home appointments for people with limited mobility and highlights flexible hours and the broader uses of professional photographs.
If the town hall keeps taking our work away, I have no chance left.— Michael Weber, owner of the Setzinger photography shop in Tuttlingen; commenting on the impact of the new pass-photo rule and the shift of work away from photographers to Bürgerämter.
Traffic noise and 30 km/h speed limits divide the region in the southwest: A large survey from southern Germany shows how much traffic noise affects everyday ...
schwaebische.de/regional/baden-wuerttemberg/verkehrslaerm-und-tempo-30-spalten-die-region-im-suedwesten-4779111
After CSD attack: Frei promises stricter laws on dangerous individuals | "You can hold us to that"
fr.de/politik/cdu-gibt-rasantes-tempo-fuer-neue-gefaehrder-gesetze-vor-polizei-bremst-zr-94425385.html
Confirmed: Federal government prepares for new civilian service: Thorsten Frei (CDU), new chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag.
waz.de/politik/article412757605/bundesregierung-bereitet-wohl-neuen-zivildienst-vor-verbaende-melden-interesse.html
Thorsten Frei is the new leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group – | and immediately warns his party: "We are not an end in ourselves."
hna.de/politik/frei-ist-neuer-fraktionschef-csu-politiker-hoffmann-setzt-auf-geschlossenheit-zr-94422202.html
An #Kunstausstellung of her own at just eight years old 🖌️ For Milia Holl from #Lonsee this is becoming a reality! 🎨 About a year and a half ago ... Show more
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Söder reacts to Chancellor Merz's personnel reshuffle - | barbs and digs at the CDU.
fr.de/politik/merz-personal-rochade-soeder-reagiert-mit-vielsagender-aussage-zr-94423501.html
Frei soll Unions-Fraktionschef werden: Blamage auch für Merz droht – Eine Zahl rückt nun in den Fokus
fr.de/politik/frei-soll-unions-fraktionschef-werden-droht-blamage-eine-zahl-rueckt-nun-in-den-fokus-zr-94419433.html
“Not everyone has this”: Eight-year-old from Lonsee opens her own exhibition in autumn
swp.de/lokales/ulm/das-hat-echt-nicht-jeder-achtjaehrige-aus-lonsee-eroeffnet-ihre-eigene-ausstellung-im-herbst-79350088.html
Paid articlePaywall
Langenau: Amateur photographer discovers rare swallowtail butterfly in his own garden
saechsische.de/lokales/mittelsachsen/langenau-hobbyfotograf-entdeckt-seltenen-segelfalter-im-eigenen-garten-BDEZCPZ2TVDFZNFC4WH74U375M.html
New brine pool at #BadBlau ! 🏊 👉 The leisure pool in #Blaustein has a new brine pool. The extension is now open. The new building was made possible by federal funding ... Show more
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Friedrich Merz: Must Thorsten Frei pay for the Chancellor?: On Wednesday, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group is scheduled to elect Frei as its new chairman. However ...
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/friedrich-merz-muss-thorsten-frei-fuer-den-kanzler-buessen-114896133
Key FactsCDU Faces Internal Turmoil Over Merz’s Leadership
Jul 27, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: faz.net
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: faz.net
- The removal of Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder by CDU leader Merz is seen as disloyal and disrespectful.
- Merz’s handling of communications has caused significant disappointment and growing estrangement within the Rhineland-Palatinate CDU.
- A public letter from the regional parliamentary group highlights ongoing dissatisfaction and cancellation of a meeting with Merz.
- Schnieder’s resignation marks the end of a period of unity in the state CDU founded on loyalty and civic values.
No slap in the face for Merz: Thorsten Frei starts with a good result as parliamentary group leader
augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/keine-ohrfeige-fuer-merz-thorsten-frei-startet-gutem-ergebnis-als-fraktionschef-114906445
Thorsten Frei: Only a third of Germans welcome the appointment: CDU member Thorsten Frei is to become the new chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/thorsten-frei--nur-ein-drittel-der-deutschen-begruesst-personalie-38018196.html
Key FactsMerz appoints Amthor to coordinate federal-state relations
Jul 30, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
- The 33-year-old CDU politician is moving from his post as parliamentary state secretary at the Digital Ministry to the Chancellery.
- According to the F.A.Z. and reports from state-government circles, relations between Merz and the state premiers had already been strained for some time.
- Merz said Amthor personally knows the heads of the state chanceries in all 16 German states and had already worked closely with the states.
- North Rhine-Westphalia and the CDU-led states of Saxony and Thuringia praised Amthor, while a state chancellery led by the Social Democrats also expressed approval.