Germany
Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised quick relief for motorists across Germany as petrol hit record highs, while ministers and economists disputed which measures would be effective.
In Sachsen-Anhalt, the AfD emerged strongest in the state election, winning 39 seats, and AfD and BSW representatives said they were exploring cooperation.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency reported Russian-origin disinformation targeting Chancellor Friedrich Merz increased since late June, spreading on social media, the agency said.
Chancellor Merz said the federal government would seek quick relief for soaring German fuel prices by cutting taxes and levies, but rejected a proposed windfall tax on oil firms.
European auto manufacturers and suppliers sharply criticized EU CO2 rules at the Hannover trade fair, urging Brussels to provide infrastructure and regulatory flexibility to avoid million-euro fines and industry decline.
