Tuesday's top story:Migrant groups seek safeguards against far-right in Saxony-Anhalt
Migrant organisations across Germany have called on federal and state authorities to prepare protective measures in the event that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) enters government in Saxony-Anhalt following recent state election results.
In an open letter addressed to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Germany’s minister-presidents in each of the states, several migrant associations warned that vulnerable groups could face increased risks under an AfD-led administration.
The signatories, including the Turkish Community in Germany and other migrant umbrella organisations, argue that people perceived as Muslims, Jews, Sinti and Roma, LGBTQ+ individuals and those with migrant backgrounds are already experiencing growing hostility.
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They report a rise in hate mail, threats and racist incidents following the AfD’s recent electoral gains.
Among their key proposals is the creation of a federal-state commission to assess potential threats to minorities and develop safeguards should the AfD assume executive power. The organisations also want residency restrictions for asylum seekers to be eased, allowing them to relocate if they fear racist violence.
The appeal urges governments to set out clear constitutional safeguards before any new administration takes office.
Skilled labour shortage threatens Germany’s investment drive
Germany’s ambitious plans to modernise infrastructure could be undermined by a growing shortage of skilled workers, according to a new study by the German Economic Institute (IW).
While the federal government has earmarked €500 billion for infrastructure projects, researchers warn that funding alone will not guarantee delivery.
The study estimates an average shortage of more than 148,000 skilled workers between July 2025 and June 2026 in occupations linked to infrastructure, digitalisation and the energy transition.
The most acute gaps are found in technical trades and engineering-related roles, including electrical systems, heating and ventilation technology, mechanical engineering and industrial operations. Workers with vocational qualifications are particularly scarce.
READ ALSO: Can Germany still attract foreign workers as skilled labour shortages spike?
The findings come as Germany’s economic outlook improves, supported by stronger exports and increased public investment. But the IW argues that demographic pressures and insufficient labour supply remain among the country’s most serious structural challenges.
The institute also highlights weak private-sector investment. Since 2020, German businesses are estimated to have invested around €470 billion less than expected, leaving an overall investment shortfall of roughly €420 billion despite increased government spending.
Germany condemns protest violence in France
Germany said Monday violence has "no place" on the streets and urged its citizens in France to exercise caution after town halls and shops were looted and set ablaze in weekend protests.
"The images we have all seen fill us with great concern," a foreign ministry spokeswoman said in Berlin. "Violence has no place on the streets of our democracies."
The ministry updated its travel and security advice for France late Sunday, warning that "further demonstrations and, in some cases, further outbreaks of violence in the coming days cannot be ruled out".
READ ALSO: Foreign Office warns Germans in France as 'war-like' protests spread
More than 2,500 people were arrested after demonstrations on Saturday saw some half a million people turn out across France to protest against the cost of living.
Unions, school students and activists of the Yellow Vest movement that rattled the first term of French President Emmanuel Macron joined forces in a show of anger.
Some demonstrations turned violent and the city of Limoges lost its 19th-century town hall to a fire that the local prefect, Maurice Barate, told news channel LCI had been started by "a wild horde".
Two men turn themselves in following Leipzig airport incident
After breaking through a security fence at Leipzig/Halle Airport, two men have turned themselves in to local police,
The German Press Agency and other outlets reported that the 20 and 32-year-old men had been practicing for a driving test on Saturday evening when they lost control of the car and damaged the airport fence.
Both men and their lawyers had reported to the Leipzig public prosecutor's office and the criminal investigation department on Sunday evening.
The 20-year-old is said to have been at the wheel. He did not have a valid driver's license.
Through his lawyer, he let it be known that he had broken through the fence and then moved away from the scene of the accident.
According to the police, the 32-year-old owner of the car did not provide any further details.
Investigations into the sequence of events, the involvement in the crime and a possible motive are ongoing.
The incident had originally been suspected as being a more serious act of sabotage. Leipzig airport was previously the site of an incident involving an explosives-laden drone.
Ukrainian Antonov cargo planes fly in and out of the Leipzig airport and often remain stationed there.
Why German supermarkets might be unusually quiet on Tuesday
Shoppers visiting some German supermarkets on Tuesday could expect to encounter a noticeably calmer environment as retailers take part in “Invisible Disabilities Day”.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of people with autism, ADHD and other neurological or chronic conditions who can find the sensory overload on a typical shopping trip overwhelming.
Participating stores have introduced a so-called “Quiet Hour” – which can vary from shop to shop – during which background music is switched off, advertising announcements are suspended and cash register sounds reduced.
Some supermarkets were also planning to dim lighting, while staff were encouraged to postpone shelf-stacking and other noisy activities.
The campaign does not seek complete silence but rather a shopping experience with fewer sensory stimuli. Organisers argue that simple adjustments can make stores more accessible and comfortable for many people who otherwise avoid busy supermarkets.
The concept originated in New Zealand in 2018 and has gained traction in Germany since 2023. Nearly 200 German supermarkets have registered to participate. The initiative has also spread beyond food retail, with IKEA implementing a nationwide weekly “Quiet Hour” across its German stores earlier this year.
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With reporting by DPA, AFP and Paul Krantz.