{"id":2224580,"date":"2026-10-28T10:20:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T07:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2224580"},"modified":"2026-10-28T10:20:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T07:20:10","slug":"survivors-timeline-to-punish-rape-in-germany-is-too-short","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2224580","title":{"rendered":"Survivors: Timeline to punish rape in Germany is too short"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79456991_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OlP9<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79456991_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79456991_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79456991_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79456991_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi m1ho1h07 lofg86o blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">Germany&#8217;s president is mostly a ceremonial role, limited to two terms [FILE September 2026]<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t icns9en idu7i8u lxmvniw m4xla6a rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">Image: Uli Deck\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx lt5vbch pohyj9x m1u0isv1 b16w0xvi\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<ul>\n<li>Germany is set to elect a successor to Frank-Walter Steinmeier on January 30<\/li>\n<li>The presidential term ends\u00a0in January, but parties are already talking about his successor.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>A YouGov poll finds 74% of Germans unlikely to celebrate Halloween<\/li>\n<li>Half of 18- to 24-year-olds plan to celebrate, with older people less keen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here is a roundup of top stories from and about <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em> on Wednesday, October 28, 2026:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Tired of missing our real-time updates? <a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=dw.com\" title=\"External link \u2014 Click here\">Click here<\/a> to add DW as a Preferred Source on Google.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79789806\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79789806\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Suspected Russian sabotage plot, 2 arrested in Bavaria<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Suspected Russian sabotage plot, 2 arrested in Bavaria<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79790788\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79790788_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"This image taken from video provided by Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) shows a fire at an industrial site next to a state-owned Romanian arms manufacturer in central Brasov County, Romania, on Sept. 14, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The two men have been accused of sabotage by Romanian authorities as well<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Romanian Intelligence Service\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Two Belarusian nationals have been arrested on suspicion of planning arson attacks in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bavaria\/t-18968282\">Bavaria<\/a> in southern Germany on Russia&#8217;s behalf, according to news outlet <em>Der Spiegel<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Spiegel reports that the two men, aged 39 and 50, were first taken into investigative detention in early October.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It cited security sources as saying the alleged plot involved plans to set a fire near a railway line and\u00a0a high-voltage power transmission line.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Security services in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/romania\/t-19156115\">Romania<\/a> say they are investigating the same two men, suspecting them of an arson attack in mid-September on an industrial park in Brasov where a munitions company operates. Romania&#8217;s SRI intelligence service accuses the Belarusian men of being part of a Russian espionage and sabotage network.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another man accused of involvement in the fire in Brasov was arrested on Monday in Poland, according to Romanian authorities.<\/p>\n<p><em>Spiegel <\/em>reported that the extremism and terrorism-combating ZET organization had taken the lead in the investigations on the German side.<\/p>\n<p>A series of suspected sabotage attacks have taken place in recent weeks and months, often with links to Russia either suspected or explicitly alleged. Perhaps the most headline-grabbing incidents were cases targeting <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/poland-says-starlink-station-fire-act-of-sabotage\/a-79410745\">Starlink assets in Poland<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bulgaria-seeks-suspects-in-germany-after-starlink-sabotage\/a-79706745\">later Bulgaria<\/a>, which led to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/poland-reports-arrests-of-2-turkish-citizens-in-germany-in-connection-with-starlink-station-fire-last-month\/a-79646138\">authorities seeking and arresting suspects in Germany<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OmyM<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79789034\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79789034\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Berlin man who drugged and raped women jailed for 12 years<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Berlin man who drugged and raped women jailed for 12 years<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>A <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a> court has sentenced a 69-year-old man to 12 years in prison for drugging, raping and filming women he met through online dating platforms.<\/p>\n<p>The defendant had &#8220;deliberately sought out victims,&#8221; presiding judge Jakob Weber said. Judges also ordered preventive detention after his sentence, finding that he remained a danger to the public.<\/p>\n<p>The electrician, who sometimes posed as a police officer or military pilot, was convicted of 22 counts of rape involving 14 women between 2016 and 2022.<\/p>\n<p>At his Berlin apartment, he spiked their drinks with sedatives before attacking them. The women only discovered what had happened during the police investigation.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators found a camera aimed at his bed that ran &#8220;24\/7,&#8221; alongside meticulously kept records of recordings, a police officer told the court.<\/p>\n<p>An investigator described &#8220;extreme dehumanization&#8221; in online groups the man used, saying women were &#8220;traded as commodities.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The defendant admitted the rapes at the start of his trial. A psychiatric expert found no evidence that his ability to control his actions was diminished.<\/p>\n<p>Investigations into suspected offenses involving another 44 women are continuing. The ruling can still be appealed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Survivors: Timeline to punish rape in Germany is too short\" class=\"headline\">Survivors: Timeline to punish rape in Germany is too short<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-77412822\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"77412822\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/77401148_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:03\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260603_WuttkeRape_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Omlu<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79788589\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79788589\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section BASF presses case for Evonik takeover<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">BASF presses case for Evonik takeover<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/basf\/t-17449651\">German chemicals giant BASF<\/a> has stepped up its push to acquire rival Evonik, arguing that a combination would create a more competitive and resilient global business.<\/p>\n<p>BASF CEO Markus Kamieth said the companies&#8217; strengths complemented each other and a deal would make sense as consolidation gathers pace across <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-economy-chemical-industry-crisis-energy-oil-gas-iran-war-russia-ukraine\/a-77166282\">Europe&#8217;s chemical industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But he stressed that any takeover must benefit BASF shareholders. &#8220;We will not pay an excessive price,&#8221; he said, declining to discuss the status of talks or a timetable.<\/p>\n<p>BASF has raised its offer for Essen-based Evonik to \u20ac24 per share, valuing the company at just over \u20ac11 billion, the German dpa news agency reported.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal has drawn criticism from Dennis Radtke, who heads the workers&#8217; wing of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He warned that thousands of jobs could be lost and called for the takeover attempt to be abandoned.<\/p>\n<p>Evonik&#8217;s largest shareholder, the RAG Foundation, holds around 43% of its shares, giving it a key role in any deal.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Germany&apos;s chemical industry hit by high energy prices\" class=\"headline\">Germany&#8217;s chemical industry hit by high energy prices<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76967003\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76967003\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76403942_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:38\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/BUSI\/BUSIENG260428_QWIInfraLeuna_CMS_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Omej<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79788587\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79788587\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Girl seriously injured in animal attack at German wildlife park<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Girl seriously injured in animal attack at German wildlife park<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79788436\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79788436_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Barrier tape cordons off an area of Wildpark Johannism\u00fchle near Baruth, south of Berlin\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Police are investigating whether negligence was involved in the animal attack<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Carsten Koall\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>An eight-year-old girl was seriously injured in an animal attack at a wildlife park south of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a>, police said.<\/p>\n<p>The girl was inside an enclosure with two other children and a staff member when at least one animal attacked her. The others suffered no visible injuries.<\/p>\n<p>The girl, who was visiting Wildpark Johannism\u00fchle near Baruth\/Mark in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/brandenburg\/t-18968125\">Brandenburg<\/a>, was airlifted to hospital. Police are investigating whether negligence was involved.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities have not identified the animal involved.<\/p>\n<p>The privately run park said it was cooperating fully with investigators and supporting the girl&#8217;s family. It declined to provide further details while proceedings were ongoing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Omeh<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79788084\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79788084\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section German tourist found dead on Seychelles island<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">German tourist found dead on Seychelles island<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>A 30-year-old German tourist has been found dead on the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/seychelles\/t-68495667\">Seychelles<\/a> island of La Digue after leaving his hotel at night to look for swimming goggles, police said.<\/p>\n<p>The man went out at around 9 p.m. local time (1700 GMT)\u00a0on Monday to retrieve goggles he had left on a beach. His wife alerted authorities when he failed to return.<\/p>\n<p>A search team found his body in a rocky area away from a hiking trail leading to Anse Coco beach.<\/p>\n<p>Police said the circumstances remained unclear and an investigation was underway to establish the cause of death.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OmWa<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79785806\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79785806\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Mercedes cuts profit outlook as China sales slump<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Mercedes cuts profit outlook as China sales slump<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/mercedes\/t-19085856\">German carmaker Mercedes-Benz<\/a> has lowered its annual profit forecast as falling sales in China and rising costs overshadow a sharp increase in quarterly earnings.<\/p>\n<p>The Stuttgart-based company now expects earnings before interest and taxes to remain at last year&#8217;s level, having previously forecast a substantial increase.<\/p>\n<p>Market conditions had become more challenging, particularly in China, CEO Ola K\u00e4llenius said. Mercedes also expects higher costs in the fourth quarter, including for raw materials.<\/p>\n<p>Third-quarter net profit rose 28% to \u20ac1.52 billion, although the comparison reflects restructuring costs that weighed on earnings a year earlier. Revenue fell 4.5% to \u20ac30.7 billion.<\/p>\n<p>Car sales in China plunged 31%, pushing overall sales down 8% to 407,200 vehicles. Outside China, sales rose 1%.<\/p>\n<p>Fully electric car sales provided a brighter spot, climbing 61%. K\u00e4llenius also pointed to continued sales growth in Europe and the US.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Mad for Mercedes: South Africans&apos; love for old Benz models\" class=\"headline\">Mad for Mercedes: South Africans&#8217; love for old Benz models<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-77230966\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"77230966\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/77171476_605.webp\" data-duration=\"26:04\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/dri\/dri20260520_gesamtHD_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Olvq<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79785622\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79785622\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Merz: Trade allies could &#8216;own the restaurant&#8217; together<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Merz: Trade allies could &#8216;own the restaurant&#8217; together<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz<\/a> has proposed a global alliance to defend international trade rules and coordinate responses to economic pressure.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in Tokyo, Merz called for like-minded countries to strengthen and reform the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to his speech manuscript.<\/p>\n<p>Members could commit to rejecting unlawful tariffs and economic coercion, he said, in an apparent reference to the US and China.<\/p>\n<p>They could also agree to accept trade dispute rulings as binding despite the current paralysis of the WTO&#8217;s appeals body, and respond jointly when other countries break the rules.<\/p>\n<p>Merz urged Germany, Japan and other partners to work more closely together, echoing <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/canadas-carney-welcomes-associate-status-idea-in-eu-speech\/a-79306191\">Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney<\/a>&#8216;s call for an alliance of middle powers.<\/p>\n<p>Acting together would mean countries no longer had to ask whether they were &#8220;on the menu&#8221; or &#8220;at the table,&#8221; Merz said:\u00a0&#8220;Because then we would jointly own the restaurant.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5Olss<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79787791\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79787791\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Who is in the running to succeed Steinmeier?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Who is in the running to succeed Steinmeier?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79788600\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79788600_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Kombobild I Ilse Aigner, Ines Claus, Julia Kl\u00f6ckner, Karin Prien, Juli Zeh and Ursula von der Leyen\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">From top left to bottom right, Ilse Aigner, Ines Claus, Julia Kl\u00f6ckner, Karin Prien, Juli Zeh and Ursula von der Leyen have been discussed as possible future presidents<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Theo Klein\/epd\/IMAGO I Boris Roessler\/dpa\/picture alliance I Andreas Gora\/IMAGO I Manfred Behrens\/Future Image\/IMAGO I teutopress\/IMAGO I Harry Nakos\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>We&#8217;ve already mentioned some potential successors to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/frank-walter-steinmeier\/t-17345761\">German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier<\/a> in this blog. Here&#8217;s a broader look at the names being discussed.<\/p>\n<p>Much of the debate has focused on choosing a woman, as Germany has never had a female head of state. Potential candidates include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ilse Aigner: Bavaria&#8217;s state parliament president, from the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU). She has backing from CSU leader Markus S\u00f6der and senior Social Democrats and Greens.<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/julia-kl%C3%B6ckner\/t-40346027\">Julia Kl\u00f6ckner<\/a>: Bundestag president, from Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).<\/li>\n<li>Karin Prien: Federal education and family minister, also from the CDU.<\/li>\n<li>Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer: Former CDU leader and defense minister.<\/li>\n<li>Ines Claus: CDU parliamentary group leader in the state of Hesse.<\/li>\n<li>Juli Zeh: Author and constitutional court judge in Brandenburg, and a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ursula-von-der-leyen\/t-70279537\">Ursula von der Leyen<\/a>: European Commission president and CDU member.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, a woman is not certain to get the job. The state premier of Hesse, Boris Rhein, has also been mentioned, while comedian and author Hape Kerkeling is the subject of a public petition rather than a party nomination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OmRr<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79785710\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79785710\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Merz eyes fighter jet cooperation with Japan<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Merz eyes fighter jet cooperation with Japan<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79784559\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79784559_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at her official residence in Tokyo\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The leaders discussed closer industrial and defense ties, including possible cooperation on fighter jet development<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Issei Kato\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Geman Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany and Japan would explore jointly developing a fighter jet as they seek closer industrial ties.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We also want to explore whether cooperation in fighter aircraft construction is possible,&#8221; Merz said after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. Takaichi also backed closer <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/europe-is-spending-billions-to-rearm-so-why-the-delays\/a-77650976\">defense cooperation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Britain invited Germany earlier this month to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), following the collapse of the rival German-French-Spanish Future Combat Air System project.<\/p>\n<p>Britain, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/japan-weapons-exports-china-north-korea\/a-76966201\">Japan<\/a> and Italy are developing a sixth-generation fighter jet under GCAP, aiming to have it operational by 2035.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OluI<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79785287\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79785287\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Ines Claus: a possible Steinmeier successor<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Ines Claus: a possible Steinmeier successor<\/h2>\n<div class=\"author-details\"><span><span class=\"extra-info lxmvniw m4xla6a rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"> in Tokyo<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79780108\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79780108_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Ines Claus\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Ines Claus is being touted as Germany&#8217;s first female president<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Michael Kappeler\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Could the name of the next German president be Ines Claus? The discussions around <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/steinmeier-in-china-a-major-state-visit-in-uncertain-times\/a-79764205\">Frank-Walter Steinmeier\u2019s<\/a> successor, whose term ends next year, have reached the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his trip across the Indo Pacific.<\/p>\n<p>Steinmeier will have spent two terms in office when he retires next year. And while the president\u2019s role is largely a ceremonial one in Germany, the process of picking a suitable candidate is a highly political affair, happening largely behind closed doors, unlike in many other countries.<\/p>\n<p>That\u00a0process is now in full swing. There\u2019s largely bipartisan agreement that the next president should be a woman, which would be a first for the country.\u00a0Chancellor Merz\u00a0was one of those early on saying he was in favour of a woman taking the job, but had\u00a0otherwise stayed out of the discussion so far.<\/p>\n<p>That has now changed. The strong positioning by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-social-union-csu\/t-17439619\">Bavarian conservatives from the CSU<\/a> in favor of Ilse Aigner, a former state agriculture\u00a0minister,\u00a0taking the job,\u00a0 seems to have pushed its\u00a0bigger sister party, the CDU, to find a candidate from their own ranks.<\/p>\n<p>Ines Claus, a lawyer and legal expert,\u00a0was named by some within the CDU during Merz&#8217;s Asia trip. It\u2019s unusual for the chancellor to comment on party political discussions while travelling, but his team has now stressed that they are awaiting &#8220;an orderly process.&#8221; In other words, choosing Steinmeier&#8217;s successor is far from a done deal.<\/p>\n<p>The CDU is reportedly preparing to discuss who they should put forward at their next board meeting on November 9. They will also take into account the wishes of the CSU, the Social Democrats (SPD), and even the Greens, wanting the future head of state to have broad public support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OlnT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79784059\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79784059\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section How is Germany&#8217;s president elected?<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">How is Germany&#8217;s president elected?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>Instead, a special Federal Convention brings together Bundestag lawmakers and an equal number of delegates chosen by Germany&#8217;s 16 state parliaments.<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-democratic-union-cdu\/t-17351950\">conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU)<\/a>, its Bavarian sister party, the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-social-union-csu\/t-17439619\">Christian Social Union (CSU)<\/a>, and their coalition partner, the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/social-democratic-party-spd\/t-17437818\">center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD)<\/a>, together hold a majority.<\/p>\n<p>That means they could elect a candidate without support from other parties, provided their delegates agree.<\/p>\n<p>Initial talks will involve CDU state leaders and the CSU, with November 9 seen as an important milestone. Discussions will then widen to include the SPD and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germanys-green-party\/t-17365878\">environmentalist Greens<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OlTf<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79784060\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79784060\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section German parties weigh candidates to succeed Steinmeier<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">German parties weigh candidates to succeed Steinmeier<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>German political parties are weighing who should succeed <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/frank-walter-steinmeier\/t-17345761\">President Frank-Walter Steinmeier<\/a>, with Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner attracting support across party lines.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The presidency is Germany&#8217;s largely ceremonial head-of-state role, separate from the chancellor, who leads the government. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term, and his successor will be elected on January 30.<\/p>\n<p>Germany has never before had a <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-president-head-of-state-frank-walter-steinmeier-angela-merkel-friedrich-merz\/a-76136159\">woman as federal president<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Aigner belongs to the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of Merz&#8217;s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The CSU leader and Bavarian premier Markus S\u00f6der has endorsed her.<\/p>\n<p>She has also drawn backing from politicians outside the conservative bloc, including senior Greens politician and Bundestag deputy speaker Omid Nouripour.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need someone in these times who holds the country together,&#8221; Nouripour said during Steinmeier&#8217;s state visit to China, arguing that Aigner had the experience and authority required.<\/p>\n<p>Center-left Social Democratic Party politicians have also voiced support.<\/p>\n<p>But Merz&#8217;s CDU says it should nominate the candidate. Sources close to the chancellor denied reports that he favored Ines Claus, who leads the CDU parliamentary group in the state of Hesse, saying he had &#8220;neither made a decision nor put forward a proposal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79774188\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79774188_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Ilse Aigner, president of Bavaria&apos;s state parliament, attends a CSU party conference in Munich\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Ilse Aigner is attracting cross-party support as a possible successor to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (FILE: 24\/10\/2026)<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Chris Emil Jan\u00dfen\/IMAGO<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OlTg<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79783900\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79783900\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Most Germans plan to sit out Halloween, poll finds<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Most Germans plan to sit out Halloween, poll finds<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>Nearly three-quarters of Germans are unlikely to celebrate <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/halloween-origins-history-traditions-customs-religion-celebrated-explained-v2\/a-36214983\">Halloween<\/a>, despite its popularity among younger adults, according to a YouGov poll.<\/p>\n<p>Some 74% said they were very or fairly unlikely to take part, whether by dressing up, attending a party, decorating or handing out sweets to children.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, 23% said they would probably celebrate in some way. That figure rose to 50% among 18- to 24-year-olds, compared with just 11% among those aged 55 and over.<\/p>\n<p>The survey found no difference between respondents in eastern and western Germany.<\/p>\n<p>YouGov surveyed 2,666 adults in Germany on October 27. The poll was described as representative.<\/p>\n<p>Halloween falls on Saturday this year. Its name comes from &#8220;All Hallows&#8217; Eve,&#8221; the evening before the Christian feast of All Saints, and its customs spread to the US with European immigrants.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Did you know Halloween has ancient Celtic origins?\" class=\"headline\">Did you know Halloween has ancient Celtic origins?<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-59667645\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"59667645\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/59639880_605.webp\" data-duration=\"04:31\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/Events\/mp4\/eme\/eme20211030_halloween_,sd,hd,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OlR6<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-79783808\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779#post-liveblog-post-79783808\" tabindex=\"0\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"t1i8qhb9 lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><span class=\"publication lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">Published 10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">Published October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><span class=\"last-update lofg86o blt0baw m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">last updated 10\/28\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">last updated October 28, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l l1evdo4u p1y8x1v sngcpkw b16w0xvi\">Welcome to our coverage<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><em>Guten Tag<\/em> from the DW newsroom in Bonn.<\/p>\n<p>Halloween might be a big deal in the US, but most Germans aren&#8217;t planning to join in the spooky celebrations.<\/p>\n<p>A new poll suggests nearly three-quarters of adults in Germany will give the occasion a miss.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, although\u00a0Germany has never had a woman as federal president, that could be about to change.<\/p>\n<p>Senior politicians are\u00a0starting to think seriously about who should become the country&#8217;s next president \u2014 and one name is attracting support from several political parties.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us here for these stories and more of what Germany is talking about today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OlPc<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"h4zlaoh bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" tabindex=\"-1\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu blt0baw cx4rgdt ih9bob8 disabled sngcpkw w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<ul>\n<li>Germany is set to elect a successor to Frank-Walter Steinmeier on January 30<\/li>\n<li>The presidential term ends\u00a0in January, but parties are already talking about his successor.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>A YouGov poll finds 74% of Germans unlikely to celebrate Halloween<\/li>\n<li>Half of 18- to 24-year-olds plan to celebrate, with older people less keen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here is a roundup of top stories from and about <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em> on Wednesday, October 28, 2026:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Tired of missing our real-time updates? <a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=dw.com\" title=\"External link \u2014 Click here\">Click here<\/a> to add DW as a Preferred Source on Google.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Here is a roundup of top stories from and about <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em> on Wednesday, October 28, 2026:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Tired of missing our real-time updates? <a rel=\"noopener follow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=dw.com\" title=\"External link \u2014 Click here\">Click here<\/a> to add DW as a Preferred Source on Google.<\/em><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79790788\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79790788_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"This image taken from video provided by Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) shows a fire at an industrial site next to a state-owned Romanian arms manufacturer in central Brasov County, Romania, on Sept. 14, 2026\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The two men have been accused of sabotage by Romanian authorities as well<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Romanian Intelligence Service\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Two Belarusian nationals have been arrested on suspicion of planning arson attacks in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bavaria\/t-18968282\">Bavaria<\/a> in southern Germany on Russia&#8217;s behalf, according to news outlet <em>Der Spiegel<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Spiegel reports that the two men, aged 39 and 50, were first taken into investigative detention in early October.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It cited security sources as saying the alleged plot involved plans to set a fire near a railway line and\u00a0a high-voltage power transmission line.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Security services in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/romania\/t-19156115\">Romania<\/a> say they are investigating the same two men, suspecting them of an arson attack in mid-September on an industrial park in Brasov where a munitions company operates. Romania&#8217;s SRI intelligence service accuses the Belarusian men of being part of a Russian espionage and sabotage network.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another man accused of involvement in the fire in Brasov was arrested on Monday in Poland, according to Romanian authorities.<\/p>\n<p><em>Spiegel <\/em>reported that the extremism and terrorism-combating ZET organization had taken the lead in the investigations on the German side.<\/p>\n<p>A series of suspected sabotage attacks have taken place in recent weeks and months, often with links to Russia either suspected or explicitly alleged. Perhaps the most headline-grabbing incidents were cases targeting <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/poland-says-starlink-station-fire-act-of-sabotage\/a-79410745\">Starlink assets in Poland<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bulgaria-seeks-suspects-in-germany-after-starlink-sabotage\/a-79706745\">later Bulgaria<\/a>, which led to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/poland-reports-arrests-of-2-turkish-citizens-in-germany-in-connection-with-starlink-station-fire-last-month\/a-79646138\">authorities seeking and arresting suspects in Germany<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Two Belarusian nationals have been arrested on suspicion of planning arson attacks in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bavaria\/t-18968282\">Bavaria<\/a> in southern Germany on Russia&#8217;s behalf, according to news outlet <em>Der Spiegel<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Spiegel reports that the two men, aged 39 and 50, were first taken into investigative detention in early October.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>It cited security sources as saying the alleged plot involved plans to set a fire near a railway line and\u00a0a high-voltage power transmission line.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Security services in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/romania\/t-19156115\">Romania<\/a> say they are investigating the same two men, suspecting them of an arson attack in mid-September on an industrial park in Brasov where a munitions company operates. Romania&#8217;s SRI intelligence service accuses the Belarusian men of being part of a Russian espionage and sabotage network.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Another man accused of involvement in the fire in Brasov was arrested on Monday in Poland, according to Romanian authorities.<\/p>\n<p><em>Spiegel <\/em>reported that the extremism and terrorism-combating ZET organization had taken the lead in the investigations on the German side.<\/p>\n<p>A series of suspected sabotage attacks have taken place in recent weeks and months, often with links to Russia either suspected or explicitly alleged. Perhaps the most headline-grabbing incidents were cases targeting <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/poland-says-starlink-station-fire-act-of-sabotage\/a-79410745\">Starlink assets in Poland<\/a> and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/bulgaria-seeks-suspects-in-germany-after-starlink-sabotage\/a-79706745\">later Bulgaria<\/a>, which led to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/poland-reports-arrests-of-2-turkish-citizens-in-germany-in-connection-with-starlink-station-fire-last-month\/a-79646138\">authorities seeking and arresting suspects in Germany<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>A <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a> court has sentenced a 69-year-old man to 12 years in prison for drugging, raping and filming women he met through online dating platforms.<\/p>\n<p>The defendant had &#8220;deliberately sought out victims,&#8221; presiding judge Jakob Weber said. Judges also ordered preventive detention after his sentence, finding that he remained a danger to the public.<\/p>\n<p>The electrician, who sometimes posed as a police officer or military pilot, was convicted of 22 counts of rape involving 14 women between 2016 and 2022.<\/p>\n<p>At his Berlin apartment, he spiked their drinks with sedatives before attacking them. The women only discovered what had happened during the police investigation.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators found a camera aimed at his bed that ran &#8220;24\/7,&#8221; alongside meticulously kept records of recordings, a police officer told the court.<\/p>\n<p>An investigator described &#8220;extreme dehumanization&#8221; in online groups the man used, saying women were &#8220;traded as commodities.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The defendant admitted the rapes at the start of his trial. A psychiatric expert found no evidence that his ability to control his actions was diminished.<\/p>\n<p>Investigations into suspected offenses involving another 44 women are continuing. The ruling can still be appealed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Survivors: Timeline to punish rape in Germany is too short\" class=\"headline\">Survivors: Timeline to punish rape in Germany is too short<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-77412822\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"77412822\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/77401148_605.webp\" data-duration=\"03:03\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/je\/je20260603_WuttkeRape_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a> court has sentenced a 69-year-old man to 12 years in prison for drugging, raping and filming women he met through online dating platforms.<\/p>\n<p>The defendant had &#8220;deliberately sought out victims,&#8221; presiding judge Jakob Weber said. Judges also ordered preventive detention after his sentence, finding that he remained a danger to the public.<\/p>\n<p>The electrician, who sometimes posed as a police officer or military pilot, was convicted of 22 counts of rape involving 14 women between 2016 and 2022.<\/p>\n<p>At his Berlin apartment, he spiked their drinks with sedatives before attacking them. The women only discovered what had happened during the police investigation.<\/p>\n<p>Investigators found a camera aimed at his bed that ran &#8220;24\/7,&#8221; alongside meticulously kept records of recordings, a police officer told the court.<\/p>\n<p>An investigator described &#8220;extreme dehumanization&#8221; in online groups the man used, saying women were &#8220;traded as commodities.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The defendant admitted the rapes at the start of his trial. A psychiatric expert found no evidence that his ability to control his actions was diminished.<\/p>\n<p>Investigations into suspected offenses involving another 44 women are continuing. The ruling can still be appealed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/basf\/t-17449651\">German chemicals giant BASF<\/a> has stepped up its push to acquire rival Evonik, arguing that a combination would create a more competitive and resilient global business.<\/p>\n<p>BASF CEO Markus Kamieth said the companies&#8217; strengths complemented each other and a deal would make sense as consolidation gathers pace across <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-economy-chemical-industry-crisis-energy-oil-gas-iran-war-russia-ukraine\/a-77166282\">Europe&#8217;s chemical industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But he stressed that any takeover must benefit BASF shareholders. &#8220;We will not pay an excessive price,&#8221; he said, declining to discuss the status of talks or a timetable.<\/p>\n<p>BASF has raised its offer for Essen-based Evonik to \u20ac24 per share, valuing the company at just over \u20ac11 billion, the German dpa news agency reported.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal has drawn criticism from Dennis Radtke, who heads the workers&#8217; wing of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He warned that thousands of jobs could be lost and called for the takeover attempt to be abandoned.<\/p>\n<p>Evonik&#8217;s largest shareholder, the RAG Foundation, holds around 43% of its shares, giving it a key role in any deal.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Germany&apos;s chemical industry hit by high energy prices\" class=\"headline\">Germany&#8217;s chemical industry hit by high energy prices<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-76967003\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"76967003\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76403942_605.webp\" data-duration=\"02:38\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/vps\/webvideos\/ENG\/2026\/BUSI\/BUSIENG260428_QWIInfraLeuna_CMS_01SMW_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/basf\/t-17449651\">German chemicals giant BASF<\/a> has stepped up its push to acquire rival Evonik, arguing that a combination would create a more competitive and resilient global business.<\/p>\n<p>BASF CEO Markus Kamieth said the companies&#8217; strengths complemented each other and a deal would make sense as consolidation gathers pace across <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-economy-chemical-industry-crisis-energy-oil-gas-iran-war-russia-ukraine\/a-77166282\">Europe&#8217;s chemical industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But he stressed that any takeover must benefit BASF shareholders. &#8220;We will not pay an excessive price,&#8221; he said, declining to discuss the status of talks or a timetable.<\/p>\n<p>BASF has raised its offer for Essen-based Evonik to \u20ac24 per share, valuing the company at just over \u20ac11 billion, the German dpa news agency reported.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal has drawn criticism from Dennis Radtke, who heads the workers&#8217; wing of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He warned that thousands of jobs could be lost and called for the takeover attempt to be abandoned.<\/p>\n<p>Evonik&#8217;s largest shareholder, the RAG Foundation, holds around 43% of its shares, giving it a key role in any deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79788436\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79788436_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Barrier tape cordons off an area of Wildpark Johannism\u00fchle near Baruth, south of Berlin\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Police are investigating whether negligence was involved in the animal attack<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Carsten Koall\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>An eight-year-old girl was seriously injured in an animal attack at a wildlife park south of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a>, police said.<\/p>\n<p>The girl was inside an enclosure with two other children and a staff member when at least one animal attacked her. The others suffered no visible injuries.<\/p>\n<p>The girl, who was visiting Wildpark Johannism\u00fchle near Baruth\/Mark in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/brandenburg\/t-18968125\">Brandenburg<\/a>, was airlifted to hospital. Police are investigating whether negligence was involved.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities have not identified the animal involved.<\/p>\n<p>The privately run park said it was cooperating fully with investigators and supporting the girl&#8217;s family. It declined to provide further details while proceedings were ongoing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>An eight-year-old girl was seriously injured in an animal attack at a wildlife park south of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/berlin\/t-18967759\">Berlin<\/a>, police said.<\/p>\n<p>The girl was inside an enclosure with two other children and a staff member when at least one animal attacked her. The others suffered no visible injuries.<\/p>\n<p>The girl, who was visiting Wildpark Johannism\u00fchle near Baruth\/Mark in <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/brandenburg\/t-18968125\">Brandenburg<\/a>, was airlifted to hospital. Police are investigating whether negligence was involved.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities have not identified the animal involved.<\/p>\n<p>The privately run park said it was cooperating fully with investigators and supporting the girl&#8217;s family. It declined to provide further details while proceedings were ongoing.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>A 30-year-old German tourist has been found dead on the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/seychelles\/t-68495667\">Seychelles<\/a> island of La Digue after leaving his hotel at night to look for swimming goggles, police said.<\/p>\n<p>The man went out at around 9 p.m. local time (1700 GMT)\u00a0on Monday to retrieve goggles he had left on a beach. His wife alerted authorities when he failed to return.<\/p>\n<p>A search team found his body in a rocky area away from a hiking trail leading to Anse Coco beach.<\/p>\n<p>Police said the circumstances remained unclear and an investigation was underway to establish the cause of death.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A 30-year-old German tourist has been found dead on the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/seychelles\/t-68495667\">Seychelles<\/a> island of La Digue after leaving his hotel at night to look for swimming goggles, police said.<\/p>\n<p>The man went out at around 9 p.m. local time (1700 GMT)\u00a0on Monday to retrieve goggles he had left on a beach. His wife alerted authorities when he failed to return.<\/p>\n<p>A search team found his body in a rocky area away from a hiking trail leading to Anse Coco beach.<\/p>\n<p>Police said the circumstances remained unclear and an investigation was underway to establish the cause of death.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/mercedes\/t-19085856\">German carmaker Mercedes-Benz<\/a> has lowered its annual profit forecast as falling sales in China and rising costs overshadow a sharp increase in quarterly earnings.<\/p>\n<p>The Stuttgart-based company now expects earnings before interest and taxes to remain at last year&#8217;s level, having previously forecast a substantial increase.<\/p>\n<p>Market conditions had become more challenging, particularly in China, CEO Ola K\u00e4llenius said. Mercedes also expects higher costs in the fourth quarter, including for raw materials.<\/p>\n<p>Third-quarter net profit rose 28% to \u20ac1.52 billion, although the comparison reflects restructuring costs that weighed on earnings a year earlier. Revenue fell 4.5% to \u20ac30.7 billion.<\/p>\n<p>Car sales in China plunged 31%, pushing overall sales down 8% to 407,200 vehicles. Outside China, sales rose 1%.<\/p>\n<p>Fully electric car sales provided a brighter spot, climbing 61%. K\u00e4llenius also pointed to continued sales growth in Europe and the US.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Mad for Mercedes: South Africans&apos; love for old Benz models\" class=\"headline\">Mad for Mercedes: South Africans&#8217; love for old Benz models<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-77230966\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"77230966\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/77171476_605.webp\" data-duration=\"26:04\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/dwtv_video\/flv\/dri\/dri20260520_gesamtHD_,AVC_480x270,AVC_512x288,AVC_640x360,AVC_960x540,AVC_1280x720,AVC_1920x1080,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/mercedes\/t-19085856\">German carmaker Mercedes-Benz<\/a> has lowered its annual profit forecast as falling sales in China and rising costs overshadow a sharp increase in quarterly earnings.<\/p>\n<p>The Stuttgart-based company now expects earnings before interest and taxes to remain at last year&#8217;s level, having previously forecast a substantial increase.<\/p>\n<p>Market conditions had become more challenging, particularly in China, CEO Ola K\u00e4llenius said. Mercedes also expects higher costs in the fourth quarter, including for raw materials.<\/p>\n<p>Third-quarter net profit rose 28% to \u20ac1.52 billion, although the comparison reflects restructuring costs that weighed on earnings a year earlier. Revenue fell 4.5% to \u20ac30.7 billion.<\/p>\n<p>Car sales in China plunged 31%, pushing overall sales down 8% to 407,200 vehicles. Outside China, sales rose 1%.<\/p>\n<p>Fully electric car sales provided a brighter spot, climbing 61%. K\u00e4llenius also pointed to continued sales growth in Europe and the US.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz<\/a> has proposed a global alliance to defend international trade rules and coordinate responses to economic pressure.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in Tokyo, Merz called for like-minded countries to strengthen and reform the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to his speech manuscript.<\/p>\n<p>Members could commit to rejecting unlawful tariffs and economic coercion, he said, in an apparent reference to the US and China.<\/p>\n<p>They could also agree to accept trade dispute rulings as binding despite the current paralysis of the WTO&#8217;s appeals body, and respond jointly when other countries break the rules.<\/p>\n<p>Merz urged Germany, Japan and other partners to work more closely together, echoing <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/canadas-carney-welcomes-associate-status-idea-in-eu-speech\/a-79306191\">Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney<\/a>&#8216;s call for an alliance of middle powers.<\/p>\n<p>Acting together would mean countries no longer had to ask whether they were &#8220;on the menu&#8221; or &#8220;at the table,&#8221; Merz said:\u00a0&#8220;Because then we would jointly own the restaurant.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">German Chancellor Friedrich Merz<\/a> has proposed a global alliance to defend international trade rules and coordinate responses to economic pressure.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking in Tokyo, Merz called for like-minded countries to strengthen and reform the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to his speech manuscript.<\/p>\n<p>Members could commit to rejecting unlawful tariffs and economic coercion, he said, in an apparent reference to the US and China.<\/p>\n<p>They could also agree to accept trade dispute rulings as binding despite the current paralysis of the WTO&#8217;s appeals body, and respond jointly when other countries break the rules.<\/p>\n<p>Merz urged Germany, Japan and other partners to work more closely together, echoing <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/canadas-carney-welcomes-associate-status-idea-in-eu-speech\/a-79306191\">Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney<\/a>&#8216;s call for an alliance of middle powers.<\/p>\n<p>Acting together would mean countries no longer had to ask whether they were &#8220;on the menu&#8221; or &#8220;at the table,&#8221; Merz said:\u00a0&#8220;Because then we would jointly own the restaurant.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79788600\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79788600_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Kombobild I Ilse Aigner, Ines Claus, Julia Kl\u00f6ckner, Karin Prien, Juli Zeh and Ursula von der Leyen\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">From top left to bottom right, Ilse Aigner, Ines Claus, Julia Kl\u00f6ckner, Karin Prien, Juli Zeh and Ursula von der Leyen have been discussed as possible future presidents<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Theo Klein\/epd\/IMAGO I Boris Roessler\/dpa\/picture alliance I Andreas Gora\/IMAGO I Manfred Behrens\/Future Image\/IMAGO I teutopress\/IMAGO I Harry Nakos\/AP Photo\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>We&#8217;ve already mentioned some potential successors to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/frank-walter-steinmeier\/t-17345761\">German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier<\/a> in this blog. Here&#8217;s a broader look at the names being discussed.<\/p>\n<p>Much of the debate has focused on choosing a woman, as Germany has never had a female head of state. Potential candidates include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ilse Aigner: Bavaria&#8217;s state parliament president, from the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU). She has backing from CSU leader Markus S\u00f6der and senior Social Democrats and Greens.<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/julia-kl%C3%B6ckner\/t-40346027\">Julia Kl\u00f6ckner<\/a>: Bundestag president, from Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).<\/li>\n<li>Karin Prien: Federal education and family minister, also from the CDU.<\/li>\n<li>Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer: Former CDU leader and defense minister.<\/li>\n<li>Ines Claus: CDU parliamentary group leader in the state of Hesse.<\/li>\n<li>Juli Zeh: Author and constitutional court judge in Brandenburg, and a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).<\/li>\n<li><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/ursula-von-der-leyen\/t-70279537\">Ursula von der Leyen<\/a>: European Commission president and CDU member.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, a woman is not certain to get the job. The state premier of Hesse, Boris Rhein, has also been mentioned, while comedian and author Hape Kerkeling is the subject of a public petition rather than a party nomination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>We&#8217;ve already mentioned some potential successors to <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/frank-walter-steinmeier\/t-17345761\">German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier<\/a> in this blog. Here&#8217;s a broader look at the names being discussed.<\/p>\n<p>Much of the debate has focused on choosing a woman, as Germany has never had a female head of state. Potential candidates include:<\/p>\n<p>However, a woman is not certain to get the job. The state premier of Hesse, Boris Rhein, has also been mentioned, while comedian and author Hape Kerkeling is the subject of a public petition rather than a party nomination.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79784559\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79784559_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"German Chancellor Friedrich Merz shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at her official residence in Tokyo\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The leaders discussed closer industrial and defense ties, including possible cooperation on fighter jet development<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Issei Kato\/REUTERS<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Geman Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany and Japan would explore jointly developing a fighter jet as they seek closer industrial ties.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We also want to explore whether cooperation in fighter aircraft construction is possible,&#8221; Merz said after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. Takaichi also backed closer <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/europe-is-spending-billions-to-rearm-so-why-the-delays\/a-77650976\">defense cooperation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Britain invited Germany earlier this month to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), following the collapse of the rival German-French-Spanish Future Combat Air System project.<\/p>\n<p>Britain, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/japan-weapons-exports-china-north-korea\/a-76966201\">Japan<\/a> and Italy are developing a sixth-generation fighter jet under GCAP, aiming to have it operational by 2035.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Geman Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany and Japan would explore jointly developing a fighter jet as they seek closer industrial ties.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We also want to explore whether cooperation in fighter aircraft construction is possible,&#8221; Merz said after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo. Takaichi also backed closer <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/europe-is-spending-billions-to-rearm-so-why-the-delays\/a-77650976\">defense cooperation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Britain invited Germany earlier this month to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), following the collapse of the rival German-French-Spanish Future Combat Air System project.<\/p>\n<p>Britain, <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/japan-weapons-exports-china-north-korea\/a-76966201\">Japan<\/a> and Italy are developing a sixth-generation fighter jet under GCAP, aiming to have it operational by 2035.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79780108\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79780108_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Ines Claus\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Ines Claus is being touted as Germany&#8217;s first female president<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Michael Kappeler\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Could the name of the next German president be Ines Claus? The discussions around <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/steinmeier-in-china-a-major-state-visit-in-uncertain-times\/a-79764205\">Frank-Walter Steinmeier\u2019s<\/a> successor, whose term ends next year, have reached the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his trip across the Indo Pacific.<\/p>\n<p>Steinmeier will have spent two terms in office when he retires next year. And while the president\u2019s role is largely a ceremonial one in Germany, the process of picking a suitable candidate is a highly political affair, happening largely behind closed doors, unlike in many other countries.<\/p>\n<p>That\u00a0process is now in full swing. There\u2019s largely bipartisan agreement that the next president should be a woman, which would be a first for the country.\u00a0Chancellor Merz\u00a0was one of those early on saying he was in favour of a woman taking the job, but had\u00a0otherwise stayed out of the discussion so far.<\/p>\n<p>That has now changed. The strong positioning by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-social-union-csu\/t-17439619\">Bavarian conservatives from the CSU<\/a> in favor of Ilse Aigner, a former state agriculture\u00a0minister,\u00a0taking the job,\u00a0 seems to have pushed its\u00a0bigger sister party, the CDU, to find a candidate from their own ranks.<\/p>\n<p>Ines Claus, a lawyer and legal expert,\u00a0was named by some within the CDU during Merz&#8217;s Asia trip. It\u2019s unusual for the chancellor to comment on party political discussions while travelling, but his team has now stressed that they are awaiting &#8220;an orderly process.&#8221; In other words, choosing Steinmeier&#8217;s successor is far from a done deal.<\/p>\n<p>The CDU is reportedly preparing to discuss who they should put forward at their next board meeting on November 9. They will also take into account the wishes of the CSU, the Social Democrats (SPD), and even the Greens, wanting the future head of state to have broad public support.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Could the name of the next German president be Ines Claus? The discussions around <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/steinmeier-in-china-a-major-state-visit-in-uncertain-times\/a-79764205\">Frank-Walter Steinmeier\u2019s<\/a> successor, whose term ends next year, have reached the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his trip across the Indo Pacific.<\/p>\n<p>Steinmeier will have spent two terms in office when he retires next year. And while the president\u2019s role is largely a ceremonial one in Germany, the process of picking a suitable candidate is a highly political affair, happening largely behind closed doors, unlike in many other countries.<\/p>\n<p>That\u00a0process is now in full swing. There\u2019s largely bipartisan agreement that the next president should be a woman, which would be a first for the country.\u00a0Chancellor Merz\u00a0was one of those early on saying he was in favour of a woman taking the job, but had\u00a0otherwise stayed out of the discussion so far.<\/p>\n<p>That has now changed. The strong positioning by the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-social-union-csu\/t-17439619\">Bavarian conservatives from the CSU<\/a> in favor of Ilse Aigner, a former state agriculture\u00a0minister,\u00a0taking the job,\u00a0 seems to have pushed its\u00a0bigger sister party, the CDU, to find a candidate from their own ranks.<\/p>\n<p>Ines Claus, a lawyer and legal expert,\u00a0was named by some within the CDU during Merz&#8217;s Asia trip. It\u2019s unusual for the chancellor to comment on party political discussions while travelling, but his team has now stressed that they are awaiting &#8220;an orderly process.&#8221; In other words, choosing Steinmeier&#8217;s successor is far from a done deal.<\/p>\n<p>The CDU is reportedly preparing to discuss who they should put forward at their next board meeting on November 9. They will also take into account the wishes of the CSU, the Social Democrats (SPD), and even the Greens, wanting the future head of state to have broad public support.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>Instead, a special Federal Convention brings together Bundestag lawmakers and an equal number of delegates chosen by Germany&#8217;s 16 state parliaments.<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-democratic-union-cdu\/t-17351950\">conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU)<\/a>, its Bavarian sister party, the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-social-union-csu\/t-17439619\">Christian Social Union (CSU)<\/a>, and their coalition partner, the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/social-democratic-party-spd\/t-17437818\">center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD)<\/a>, together hold a majority.<\/p>\n<p>That means they could elect a candidate without support from other parties, provided their delegates agree.<\/p>\n<p>Initial talks will involve CDU state leaders and the CSU, with November 9 seen as an important milestone. Discussions will then widen to include the SPD and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germanys-green-party\/t-17365878\">environmentalist Greens<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Instead, a special Federal Convention brings together Bundestag lawmakers and an equal number of delegates chosen by Germany&#8217;s 16 state parliaments.<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-democratic-union-cdu\/t-17351950\">conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU)<\/a>, its Bavarian sister party, the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/christian-social-union-csu\/t-17439619\">Christian Social Union (CSU)<\/a>, and their coalition partner, the <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/social-democratic-party-spd\/t-17437818\">center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD)<\/a>, together hold a majority.<\/p>\n<p>That means they could elect a candidate without support from other parties, provided their delegates agree.<\/p>\n<p>Initial talks will involve CDU state leaders and the CSU, with November 9 seen as an important milestone. Discussions will then widen to include the SPD and <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germanys-green-party\/t-17365878\">environmentalist Greens<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>German political parties are weighing who should succeed <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/frank-walter-steinmeier\/t-17345761\">President Frank-Walter Steinmeier<\/a>, with Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner attracting support across party lines.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The presidency is Germany&#8217;s largely ceremonial head-of-state role, separate from the chancellor, who leads the government. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term, and his successor will be elected on January 30.<\/p>\n<p>Germany has never before had a <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-president-head-of-state-frank-walter-steinmeier-angela-merkel-friedrich-merz\/a-76136159\">woman as federal president<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Aigner belongs to the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of Merz&#8217;s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The CSU leader and Bavarian premier Markus S\u00f6der has endorsed her.<\/p>\n<p>She has also drawn backing from politicians outside the conservative bloc, including senior Greens politician and Bundestag deputy speaker Omid Nouripour.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need someone in these times who holds the country together,&#8221; Nouripour said during Steinmeier&#8217;s state visit to China, arguing that Aigner had the experience and authority required.<\/p>\n<p>Center-left Social Democratic Party politicians have also voiced support.<\/p>\n<p>But Merz&#8217;s CDU says it should nominate the candidate. Sources close to the chancellor denied reports that he favored Ines Claus, who leads the CDU parliamentary group in the state of Hesse, saying he had &#8220;neither made a decision nor put forward a proposal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"79774188\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79774188_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Ilse Aigner, president of Bavaria&apos;s state parliament, attends a CSU party conference in Munich\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">Ilse Aigner is attracting cross-party support as a possible successor to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (FILE: 24\/10\/2026)<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Chris Emil Jan\u00dfen\/IMAGO<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>German political parties are weighing who should succeed <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/frank-walter-steinmeier\/t-17345761\">President Frank-Walter Steinmeier<\/a>, with Bavarian parliamentary speaker Ilse Aigner attracting support across party lines.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The presidency is Germany&#8217;s largely ceremonial head-of-state role, separate from the chancellor, who leads the government. Steinmeier cannot seek a third consecutive term, and his successor will be elected on January 30.<\/p>\n<p>Germany has never before had a <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-president-head-of-state-frank-walter-steinmeier-angela-merkel-friedrich-merz\/a-76136159\">woman as federal president<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Aigner belongs to the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of Merz&#8217;s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The CSU leader and Bavarian premier Markus S\u00f6der has endorsed her.<\/p>\n<p>She has also drawn backing from politicians outside the conservative bloc, including senior Greens politician and Bundestag deputy speaker Omid Nouripour.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need someone in these times who holds the country together,&#8221; Nouripour said during Steinmeier&#8217;s state visit to China, arguing that Aigner had the experience and authority required.<\/p>\n<p>Center-left Social Democratic Party politicians have also voiced support.<\/p>\n<p>But Merz&#8217;s CDU says it should nominate the candidate. Sources close to the chancellor denied reports that he favored Ines Claus, who leads the CDU parliamentary group in the state of Hesse, saying he had &#8220;neither made a decision nor put forward a proposal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p>Nearly three-quarters of Germans are unlikely to celebrate <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/halloween-origins-history-traditions-customs-religion-celebrated-explained-v2\/a-36214983\">Halloween<\/a>, despite its popularity among younger adults, according to a YouGov poll.<\/p>\n<p>Some 74% said they were very or fairly unlikely to take part, whether by dressing up, attending a party, decorating or handing out sweets to children.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, 23% said they would probably celebrate in some way. That figure rose to 50% among 18- to 24-year-olds, compared with just 11% among those aged 55 and over.<\/p>\n<p>The survey found no difference between respondents in eastern and western Germany.<\/p>\n<p>YouGov surveyed 2,666 adults in Germany on October 27. The poll was described as representative.<\/p>\n<p>Halloween falls on Saturday this year. Its name comes from &#8220;All Hallows&#8217; Eve,&#8221; the evening before the Christian feast of All Saints, and its customs spread to the US with European immigrants.<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-wrapper embed big\">\n<h2 aria-label=\"Embedded video \u2014 Did you know Halloween has ancient Celtic origins?\" class=\"headline\">Did you know Halloween has ancient Celtic origins?<\/h2>\n<p><video id=\"video-59667645\" controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=\" data-id=\"59667645\" data-posterurl=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/59639880_605.webp\" data-duration=\"04:31\"><source src=\"https:\/\/hlsvod.dw.com\/i\/Events\/mp4\/eme\/eme20211030_halloween_,sd,hd,.mp4.csmil\/master.m3u8\" type=\"application\/x-mpegURL\" \/><\/video><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Nearly three-quarters of Germans are unlikely to celebrate <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/halloween-origins-history-traditions-customs-religion-celebrated-explained-v2\/a-36214983\">Halloween<\/a>, despite its popularity among younger adults, according to a YouGov poll.<\/p>\n<p>Some 74% said they were very or fairly unlikely to take part, whether by dressing up, attending a party, decorating or handing out sweets to children.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, 23% said they would probably celebrate in some way. That figure rose to 50% among 18- to 24-year-olds, compared with just 11% among those aged 55 and over.<\/p>\n<p>The survey found no difference between respondents in eastern and western Germany.<\/p>\n<p>YouGov surveyed 2,666 adults in Germany on October 27. The poll was described as representative.<\/p>\n<p>Halloween falls on Saturday this year. Its name comes from &#8220;All Hallows&#8217; Eve,&#8221; the evening before the Christian feast of All Saints, and its customs spread to the US with European immigrants.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vjs-no-js\">To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that <a href=\"https:\/\/videojs.com\/html5-video-support\/\" target=\"_blank\">supports HTML5 video<\/a><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text t1fzgn0z l1evdo4u blt0baw rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b16w0xvi\">\n<p><em>Guten Tag<\/em> from the DW newsroom in Bonn.<\/p>\n<p>Halloween might be a big deal in the US, but most Germans aren&#8217;t planning to join in the spooky celebrations.<\/p>\n<p>A new poll suggests nearly three-quarters of adults in Germany will give the occasion a miss.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, although\u00a0Germany has never had a woman as federal president, that could be about to change.<\/p>\n<p>Senior politicians are\u00a0starting to think seriously about who should become the country&#8217;s next president \u2014 and one name is attracting support from several political parties.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us here for these stories and more of what Germany is talking about today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Guten Tag<\/em> from the DW newsroom in Bonn.<\/p>\n<p>Halloween might be a big deal in the US, but most Germans aren&#8217;t planning to join in the spooky celebrations.<\/p>\n<p>A new poll suggests nearly three-quarters of adults in Germany will give the occasion a miss.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, although\u00a0Germany has never had a woman as federal president, that could be about to change.<\/p>\n<p>Senior politicians are\u00a0starting to think seriously about who should become the country&#8217;s next president \u2014 and one name is attracting support from several political parties.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us here for these stories and more of what Germany is talking about today.<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-parties-debate-who-should-succeed-president-steinmeier-with-several-women-under-discussion\/live-79783779&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/79456991_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5OlP9 Germany&#8217;s president is mostly a ceremonial role, limited to two terms [FILE September 2026]Image: Uli Deck\/dpa\/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Germany is set to elect a successor to Frank-Walter Steinmeier on January 30 The presidential term ends\u00a0in January, but parties are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-2224580","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2224580","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2224580"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2224580\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2224580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2224580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2224580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}