Germany news: Bundestag to vote on major drone deal
Deutsche Welle
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
German authorities are tackling far-right hate speech, tax evasion, and rising deficits as key challenges emerge in the country. In a nationwide operation, police targeted individuals suspected of inciting violence and spreading extremist content online, particularly against refugees and political opponents. Meanwhile, a businessman has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for tax evasion linked to lucrative coronavirus mask deals, raising concerns about public trust and misuse of funds. Additionally, Germany's federal deficit grew by nearly €4 billion last year, driven by increased spending on pensions, infrastructure, and defense amid sluggish economic growth.
The police raids, conducted across all 16 German states, focused on far-right ideologies but also included left-wing and other groups. Authorities uncovered涉嫌煽动暴力、使用纳粹象征以及支持恐怖主义组织等违法行为。Social media platforms were a key focus, with posts targeting vulnerable groups such as refugees and political opponents. In Hesse alone, 10 suspects were accused of calling for violence against those with disabilities or opposing political views.
The businessman's case highlights broader issues of corruption and misuse of public funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant, who procured millions of FFP2 masks for the government, underreported his income and evaded taxes by €10.7 million. Police found a loaded revolver and forged identification documents in his possession, adding to concerns about his intentions.
Germany's growing deficit, now at €119.1 billion, reflects increased spending on social security, infrastructure, and defense. While the country avoided a third consecutive year of recession with 0.3% GDP growth in the fourth quarter, the rise in debt is expected to continue in 2026 due to constitutional exemptions allowing higher spending.
These issues underscore challenges for Germany
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/25/2026