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Former Chancellor Schröder puts the SPD in trouble on the Russia question. In a podcast, Schröder expresses a lot of understanding for the Russian troop deployment and accuses Ukraine of “saber rattling”. From the SPD, the statements are largely acknowledged with silence, but nervousness is growing within the party about Russia policy. In the dramatic international situation, Chancellor Scholz could use doubts about where his party stands. A top meeting this Monday should now bring clarification. To the article (SZ Plus)
Power struggle in the AfD after Meuthen’s departure. The entire party is in great excitement after Meuthen’s abrupt withdrawal. The rival camps keep a keen eye on who positions themselves for leadership of the party. Chrupalla has many supporters in the East German state associations and in the officially dissolved “wing”. But in the camp, which is moderate by AfD standards, doubts are growing after the latest escalation as to whether he can really heal the deep rifts in the party. Go to Article (SZ Plus)
Portugal’s Prime Minister Costa may continue to govern. Costa’s moderate, more social-democratic PS received a good 41.6 percent of the votes, giving it at least 117 of the 230 seats in parliament. In doing so, she conquered the absolute majority. The right-wing populist Chega party could become the third strongest force. Go to Article
Flood disaster: why the municipalities remained clueless. According to internal notes from the NRW Ministry of the Interior, the cities and districts lacked important reports on the impending flood risk before the flood disaster. So-called “Hydrological Reports”, which warn of “extremely rising water levels” and probable flooding, were sent by the state government to its five district governments. However, these regional central authorities apparently did not forward the situation reports to the cities and districts. Go to Article
Sweden is European Handball Champion. The team from the north beat defending champions Spain in a dramatic final – ending a 20-year losing streak. Go to Article
Why Volkswagen is expanding its executive team. Europe’s largest industrial group is currently undergoing a massive and risky restructuring. Now he has twelve board members – Volkswagen wants to officially accelerate the fight against the increasingly threatening competition from the USA and China. However, the question arises as to whether this will strengthen or weaken the position of CEO Diess. To the article (SZ Plus)
Also important:
Current information on the Corona crisis
Nationwide incidence rises to 1176.8. The Robert Koch Institute reports 78,318 new infections – 14,925 more cases than a week ago. According to Federal Finance Minister Lindner, easing should be discussed in February. All the latest news about the coronavirus
The calculated loss of control. Although the number of infections is reaching new record highs, many countries are relaxing their restrictions. Has the wave already peaked there? A look at other countries allows at least a few tentative conclusions. To the article (SZ Plus)
best things
shark tech Researchers have developed a wetsuit for water sports enthusiasts that great white sharks bite their teeth on. Go to Article