SPD plans tax cuts and investment program
The SPD board wants to set the initial substantive and strategic course for the federal election campaign next year. At a closed meeting today and tomorrow in Berlin, a draft resolution will be discussed that, among other things, provides for a fundamental income tax reform. According to this, 95 percent of taxpayers should be relieved, while top incomes should be taxed more heavily. There are also plans to put more money into education and infrastructure. In order to be able to finance this, new loans are planned. The framework of the debt rules should be used more extensively, according to the lead proposal. In order to strengthen Germany as a business location, the SPD board is relying on tax benefits. He suggests that comprehensive super depreciation and tax bonuses for companies should be linked to investments in future industries and good jobs. | October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
Criticism of reduced security package
The traffic light coalition’s security package, which has been reduced again, continues to meet with criticism. From the perspective of the German Association of Judges, there is no major gain for internal security. Federal Managing Director Rebehn told the Funke media group that the package, which was too small, would shrink even further into a mini package. In his view, there is no new regulation for storing IP addresses that could have made a real difference in fighting crime. The security package is expected to be approved in the Bundestag next week.| October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
75 years of the German Trade Union Confederation
The German Federation of Trade Unions celebrates its founding 75 years ago today. More social participation, defending democracy and accompanying people safely through turbulent times, that is still his mission, explained the DGB on the anniversary. In a birthday message, Chancellor Scholz emphasized that strong unions would also be needed in the future. Among other things, to ensure that everyone keeps up with such major changes as digitalization and artificial intelligence. Scholz pledged to work to ensure that more employees are paid according to collective bargaining agreements. | October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
Lufthansa fears further shrinking flight schedules
Lufthansa boss Spohr fears that flight schedules in Germany will be further thinned out. The extremely increased state costs in air transport led to a further shrinking offer, Spohr told “Bild am Sonntag”. More and more airlines are avoiding German airports or canceling important connections. Eurowings and Ryanair recently announced that they would significantly reduce connections to and from Hamburg due to high airport fees.| October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
Israel intercepts Hezbollah rockets again
The Lebanese Hezbollah militia has apparently fired rockets again into northern Israel. The Israeli military said five projectiles were intercepted. Warning sirens sounded this morning in areas such as the port city of Haifa and in Akko, further north. According to its own statements, Israel attacked around 200 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon within 24 hours. It is unclear whether there were any casualties or damage in the recent fighting. | October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
Lithuania elects new parliament
Parliamentary elections have begun in Lithuania. Around 2.4 million eligible voters in the EU and NATO country can decide on the 141 seats of the people’s representation in Vilnius today and next weekend. Surveys showed a change in government. The Social Democrats therefore have a good chance of replacing the conservative Homeland Union as the strongest force. In Lithuania, elections are held in two rounds: Today, 70 parliamentary seats will initially be allocated using proportional representation. In two weeks, voters will then vote on 71 direct mandates. | October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
Unexploded bombs defused in Hamburg’s Schanzenviertel
A bomb from the Second World War has been defused in Hamburg’s Schanzenviertel. According to the fire department, several thousand residents were able to return to their homes. Numerous guests in bars and restaurants in the popular district also had to temporarily leave the restricted area. In addition, subway traffic was interrupted. The unexploded bomb, weighing around 250 kilograms, was discovered during exploratory work on the grounds of a primary school in Hamburg’s Schanzenviertel. | October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
The weather in northern Germany
The weather in northern Germany: Today initially lots of clouds and showers, later more friendly from the west. It can be stormy, with squalls possible at sea. Highs 9 to 14 degrees. Tomorrow initially friendly, later isolated showers again. Highs 10 to 13 degrees. The further outlook: On Tuesday mostly friendly and dry at 12 to 15 degrees. On Wednesday similar and a little warmer at 13 to 19 degrees.| October 13, 2024 10:00 a.m
