The Guardian view on the rise of Germany’s AfD: mainstream parties must deliver a bolder response | Editorial

30 August 2026 at 19:30

The far right is close to winning a state election for the first time since the second world war. A different economic approach is needed to combat it

The early autumn has become a time of foreboding and angst in German politics. In the eastern states that have become strongholds for the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, it has regularly made headline-grabbing advances in September elections. Only the refusal of mainstream politicians to form coalitions with one of Europe’s most extreme movements has kept it out of power.

This year, the lights are flashing red. Next weekend, when voters in Saxony-Anhalt cast their ballots, the signs are that the traditional firewall may not be enough. In polling, the AfD is currently scoring above 40% in the state, which could win it enough seats to govern on its own. Compared with the last election in 2021, its support has doubled; backing for the closest challenger, the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has tumbled by almost 15%.

Man arrested over fatal stabbing of British woman in Germany

World news | The Guardian

By: Associated Press

30 August 2026 at 16:27

Rosenheim police detain 27-year-old German man after woman, 31, killed outside train station early on Sunday

A man has been detained in Germany on suspicion of the fatal stabbing of a 31-year-old British woman in Rosenheim early on Sunday morning, local authorities said.

According to Rosenheim police, the woman, who was attacked at the city’s train station, was taken to a nearby hospital where she died from serious injuries.

AA could face £5bn takeover move by German insurer Allianz, reports claim

World news | The Guardian

By: Reuters

30 August 2026 at 12:26

Breakdown recovery group’s private equity owners reportedly in talks with various suitors to sell company

The German-based financial services company ⁠Allianz is considering a £5bn takeover swoop for AA, ⁠the breakdown ⁠recovery group, Sky News has reported.

Allianz was ‌one of a small number of parties holding talks with advisers to AA about a deal, Sky News said, adding that ‌the private equity outfit EQT was another bidder.

New heart attack definition promises better care for women

The Guardian

By: Andrew Gregory Health editor in Munich

28 August 2026 at 20:00

Leading cardiovascular health groups reclassify overlooked causes and introduce sex-specific diagnostic thresholds

Doctors have agreed the world’s first universal definition of a heart attack, paving the way for millions of women to finally receive better treatment after decades of being “deprioritised”.

In one of the biggest procedural shake-ups in a generation, the world’s four leading cardiovascular health groups have signed off on new guidance for healthcare professionals when seeing suspected heart attack patients.