Teen Arrested for Fatal Stabbing of Father in Berlin

Albrecht Weinberg, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor, has announced he will return his federal order of merit to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in protest against the Bundestag's recent approval of an anti-immigration motion with support from the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Expressing his horror, Weinberg stated, “What happened in the Bundestag on Wednesday reminded me of Germany in 1933” when Hitler rose to power through legitimate political means, according to *The Guardian*. The motion, backed by the conservative alliance of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), proposes new policies to turn away migrants at the German border and streamline deportations. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized the decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a separation between mainstream parties and the far-right, a stance echoed by other political leaders and Holocaust survivors. Weinberg, who lost family members in Auschwitz, condemned the vote, drawing parallels to Nazi-era tactics against Jews. In a declaration of solidarity, fellow survivor Eva Umlauf also highlighted the dangers of mainstreaming extremist views, noting, “We all know how German politicians once thought they could cooperate with Hitler.”

A recent report by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) reveals a significant decline in support for mainstream political parties in major democracies, with confidence plummeting from 73% in 2000 to 51% today. Surveying over 12,000 voters across the UK, US, Australia, Germany, France, and Canada, the TBI found that dissatisfaction with centre-left and centre-right parties stems from voters doubting their competence and integrity rather than ideological shifts. The study identified two groups of voters: "insiders," who still believe in mainstream politicians, and "outsiders," who have lost faith and turned to populist alternatives. Economic pessimism is prevalent, with many expecting future generations to be worse off, particularly in the UK, where 49% share this outlook. Researchers concluded that addressing legitimate grievances, especially regarding immigration, and leveraging technology like AI could help bridge the growing divide. Ryan Wain, TBI's executive director for politics, warned mainstream parties to "disrupt or be disrupted" in order to regain public trust.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel publicly rebuked Friedrich Merz, current leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), for seeking the support of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in a recent Bundestag vote on migration policy. In an unusual move since her retirement in December 2021, Merkel condemned Merz's actions as a "U-turn," highlighting his prior stance against collaborating with the AfD. Merkel stated on her website that she continues to believe that mainstream parties should not associate with the AfD, which garnered votes for the migration proposal that allows for some migrants to be turned away at the German border. This vote marked a significant shift, as it was the first time the AfD played a role in facilitating a mainstream party majority. Criticism of Merz came from various political figures, including Saskia Esken, co-leader of the Social Democrats, who emphasized Merkel's reminder of political responsibility. In response, Merz maintained his intent not to cooperate with the AfD, despite the backlash concerning the shift in political alliances.