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Hungary is drastically cutting taxes to support its economy in 2026
In Hungary, the government is relying on tax cuts and wage subsidies in 2026 to stabilize purchasing power during a weak economy. In Germany, however, the situation is less beneficial for many households because marginal tax relief is practically offset by higher social security contributions and the increased CO2 tax, resulting in a net loss
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CO2 tax drives up fuel prices – petrol and diesel with a significant surcharge in the new year
Fuel prices rose sharply at the start of the year for several reasons that had a simultaneous effect. The CO₂ tax increased the price per liter as a fixed surcharge, and diesel and gasoline prices reacted to this immediately in the market. Crude oil prices also set the framework for purchasing and trading, which is
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Banking earthquake – Morgan Stanley sees 200,000 jobs in Europe at risk by 2030
Europe’s major banks are facing a tough efficiency program because investors are increasingly comparing cost ratios and profitability. Furthermore, digital processes are now scaling faster than traditional branch models. Morgan Stanley therefore expects significant staff reductions. Artificial intelligence and branch closures are also intended to serve as levers for increased productivity. (ft: 31.12.25) Morgan Stanley
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Consumer slump – many Germans lack the money for increased spending
Christmas sales were weaker than hoped, and this perfectly reflects the situation of many households. It’s not a general reluctance to spend that’s causing the slump in consumer spending, but rather a lack of financial leeway. Inflation has increased basic costs, while social security contributions continue to rise. At the same time, the CO2 tax
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Members outraged – wave of cancellations at ADAC after interview about fuel prices
The ADAC (German Automobile Club) has experienced an extraordinary wave of membership cancellations in recent days. Many members are posting their resignations on social media following an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung,” because they no longer feel represented. In the interview, Gerhard Hillebrand, the ADAC’s transport president, spoke about fuel prices and defended the
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Berlin’s disaster relief: 97-year-old on a cot – photos with politicians instead of leadership
The power outage in southwest Berlin is far more than just a technical crisis following an attack. It’s a litmus test for Berlin’s disaster preparedness. And this litmus test exposes what the Court of Auditors has already described: a lack of coordination, unclear responsibilities, and inadequate preparation (apollo-news: 05.01.26). In practice, this means: coldness, improvisation
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Mannheim plans to shut down its gas network – the first major city to take a radical course by 2035
In Mannheim, the gas network is to be gradually phased out, affecting around 25,000 households, according to reports. Many will have to decide whether district heating is available or whether a heat pump remains a viable option, as switching later could be expensive. The CO₂ price is further increasing the cost of gas, causing cost-effectiveness
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End of the line for Tesla’s 4680 cell – it was supposed to guarantee more range and lower costs
The 4680 cell was considered Tesla’s future cell because it was supposed to offer greater range at lower costs, but now that calculation is changing. Tesla is apparently cutting costs on the cathode material, as the Cybertruck doesn’t generate the necessary volume. This directly impacts the Gigafactory and strategically calls Tesla’s battery plan into question.
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U-turn towards nuclear power – CSU leader constantly changing course
The CSU’s winter retreat starts on January 6th in Seeon, and they are making the desired return to nuclear power the political hook. Söder is demonstratively pushing this about-face forward, even though in 2011 he threatened to resign and insisted on phasing out nuclear power. This tension undermines his credibility, because energy policy thrives on
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Power outage in Berlin: Crisis management fails – Wegner missing for hours
Parts of Steglitz-Zehlendorf have been without power since Saturday morning. Many residents have been struggling with the cold without heating or hot water. The grid operator expects full power restoration only on Thursday afternoon, January 8, 2026. This means the outage will last at least five days. Firefighters, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW),
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ADAC’s demand for higher fuel prices is alienating its members
The ADAC’s stance on the CO2 tax is alienating many members, as it effectively accepts higher fuel prices as a necessary means of exerting pressure. For millions of drivers, this doesn’t mean “steering” their behavior, but rather an additional burden in their daily lives, regardless of whether they can switch to electric vehicles. Commuters, tradespeople,
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Following massive criticism – Klingbeil wields the budget axe at the Federal Court of Auditors
The Federal Court of Auditors’ criticism strikes a nerve with current fiscal policy because it doesn’t moralize, but rather focuses on the facts. This makes it all the more serious that Lars Klingbeil intends to cut funding for the auditing authority itself in the 2026 budget, while the debt program increases interest rate risks and
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Chemical company Domo in Leuna insolvent – 550 jobs at risk
The chemical company Domo has unexpectedly filed for insolvency in Leuna. The Domo Caproleuna and Domo Chemicals group of companies located in the chemical park are affected. Around 550 employees work at the site. Their jobs are at risk if operations are not stabilized quickly. Domo: Insolvency as a consequence of the group’s financial situation
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Power outage in Berlin: 45,000 households without electricity – police investigating arson
A widespread power outage occurred in southwest Berlin on Saturday, affecting nursing homes and other care facilities. According to Stromnetz Berlin, approximately 45,000 households and 2,000 businesses were impacted. Emergency services worked simultaneously to ensure the supply of power to critical locations. Police are investigating arson as the cause. (welt: 03.01.26) Cause of the Fire
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Disappointing annual review 2025 – Chancellor Merz loses support, authority and direction
Chancellor Merz began 2025 with grand pronouncements, but the CDU quickly became fractured, its poll numbers plummeted, and the SPD dominated political decision-making. The promised reforms failed to materialize, and migration dominated the debates. Merz promised relief that never came, and virtually every campaign promise was broken. After just 10 months in office, Chancellor Merz