Germany’s national news today covers the race for the presidency and an argument over a planned plastic tax, while Berlin, Munich, Leipzig and Frankfurt bring commemorations, winter markets, a crowded mayoral race and one pensioner’s struggle with rising costs. Here is what you need to know.
Merz puts forward Ilse Aigner as head of state
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that he will nominate Ilse Aigner for federal president (Bundespräsident), Germany’s head of state. If she is elected, she would be the first woman to hold the office, which would be a historic change at the top of the German state.
Source: DW
Coalition partners split over a plastic tax
Frei, who leads the Union parliamentary group (the joint group of the CDU and CSU), has rejected the planned plastic tax, calling it “economically and ecologically wrong”. Miersch, who leads the SPD group, sounded different and pointed to negotiations that are still going on. For now, it is unclear whether the tax will go ahead or how it might affect what households pay.
Source: tagesschau
Berlin and Brandenburg mark 9 November
Events across Berlin and Brandenburg in the coming days will mark 9 November, often called a fateful date in German history. They commemorate the pogroms of 1938, the peaceful revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Taking part is a good way for newcomers to understand how Germany remembers its past.
Source: rbb24
A new winter market comes to Munich’s Westpark
Munich gets a new winter market on 14 November, when the “Rosengarten Wintergarten” opens in the Westpark. Visitors can expect a range of Schmankerl (Bavarian treats) and a cultural programme that is free to attend.
Source: tz
Lumagica light park opens in Fröttmaning
In Munich, actor Heiner Lauterbach opened the Lumagica light park in Fröttmaning at a private event for 1,000 tz readers. The park has more than 300 handmade light sculptures, adding to the city’s winter attractions.
Source: tz
Leipzig’s mayoral field is still taking shape
Leipzig still does not know whether 13, 14, 15 or 16 people will stand in the 2027 election for Oberbürgermeister (mayor). Five candidates have to collect signatures of support, a new candidate joined last week, and so far signatures can only be given for three of them: Getu Abraham, Falk Fiebig of Volt and Fabian Schmidt of the PdH (Partei der Humanisten). Volt says it wants to push for change beyond this election as well.
Source: Leipziger Internet Zeitung
A Frankfurt pensioner on getting by with 700 euros
In Frankfurt, Irmtraud P. from Sossenheim says her pension of 700 euros is not enough, and she relies on Grundsicherung, the state’s basic income support. This summer the newspaper’s FR-Altenhilfe charity paid for a new fridge for her. She told the paper she would rather die earlier than end up in a care bed, which shows how hard old age can be on a small income.
Source: Frankfurter Rundschau
Germany Today is a curated digest: we summarise and link, the reporting belongs to the publications named. Something wrong or missing? Tell us.
Sources
- rbb24: Veranstaltungen zum 9. November in Berlin und Brandenburg, accessed 9 November 2026
- tz: Premiere im Westpark: Das erwartet Besucher im Wintermarkt am Rosengarten, accessed 9 November 2026
- Leipziger Internet Zeitung: OBM-Wahl 2027 in Leipzig: Wer kandidiert nun? Und: Volt will nicht nur für diese Wahl Druck machen, accessed 9 November 2026
- Frankfurter Rundschau: 700 Euro Rente: Frankfurterin sagt, sie stirbt lieber früher als im Pflegebett, accessed 9 November 2026
- tagesschau: Unionsfraktionschef erteilt Plastiksteuer eine Absage, accessed 9 November 2026
- tz: Exklusiver Leser-Rundgang: Bekannter Schauspieler bringt Lichterpark Lumagica zum Leuchten, accessed 9 November 2026
- DW: Germany: Chancellor Merz to nominate Aigner for president, accessed 9 November 2026
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