Germany Today: 7 November 2026

Frankfurt is preparing for a day of large demonstrations and travel disruption, while Munich’s technical university deals with a serious data breach. Elsewhere, Leipzig approves new plans to protect its green spaces, metalworkers press for higher pay, and Berlin hosts an exhibition of East German artists.

Frankfurt expects tens of thousands at Iran demonstrations

Frankfurt is bracing for several large demonstrations today, a week after last weekend’s riots in the city. The protests centre on the Freedom Prize awarded by the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung, a political foundation, with Reza Pahlavi expected to attend. Tens of thousands of people are expected, and anyone travelling in or through the city should plan for significant traffic disruption.

Source: hessenschau

Why the Shah’s son divides opinion

In Frankfurt, 30,000 demonstrators have registered for Saturday’s events around the award to Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah and a polarising figure. Hessenschau has published an explainer on why he provokes such strong reactions and which parts of the city will see the worst traffic disruption. It is worth checking before you head out today.

Source: hessenschau

Hackers steal staff and student logins at TU München

The Technische Universität München (Technical University of Munich) has suffered a serious cyberattack in which unknown attackers stole login details belonging to staff and students. The university has taken a portal offline. If you study or work there, watch for official instructions and change any password you have reused elsewhere.

Source: tz

Leipzig adopts plans to protect its green spaces

On 29 October, Leipzig’s city council approved the Masterplan Grün (green spaces master plan) and the Biotopverbundkonzept, a plan for linking up the city’s natural habitats. Baubürgermeister Thomas Dienberg, the deputy mayor responsible for planning and building, said species loss and the destruction of irreplaceable habitats are already happening in Leipzig. The two plans set out to protect the city’s natural assets in a systematic way.

Source: Leipziger Internet Zeitung

Metalworkers strike in Frankfurt over pay gap

In Frankfurt, hundreds of workers went on strike ahead of the third round of talks between employers and IG Metall, Germany’s metalworkers’ union. The union wants a 5 percent rise, while employers are offering 1.3 percent starting in 2028. One trade unionist asked: “Should we only eat pasta with sauce?”

Source: Frankfurter Rundschau

How to read the pay codes in public sector job ads

German public sector job adverts, for roles from bus driver and project manager to HR and social work, show the salary through pay codes that newcomers often miss. The Local explains how to read these codes and what else to check in an advert. It is a useful guide if you are thinking about working for a German public employer.

Source: The Local Germany

East German artists share common ground at co/site

In Berlin, the “Uncover” project at co/site presents work by East German artists. The exhibition looks at what different generations share because of how they grew up, even when their artistic approaches seem unrelated at first.

Source: rbb24

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