European Union

'The image of Sweden in Germany is quite old-fashioned'

The relationship between Germany and Sweden has never been as good as it is today, Sweden's Ambassador to Germany, Per Thöresson, tells The Local, but there are also some misconceptions in how Sweden is viewed by one of its closest neighbours.

interview

‘Verbal attacks have become part of everyday Jewish life in Germany’

The head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany argued in an interview that much more educational work needs to be done in schools to combat anti-Semitism.

Music

Spiegel hits back at Morrissey by publishing audio of controversial interview

After the German magazine Spiegel published an interview with reclusive pop singer Morrissey he claimed they had fabricated quotes. Now they have published the audio online.

interview

Challenging what it means to be German: Meet the hip hop party running for election

The Local sat down with Raphael Hillebrand, founder of “Die Urbane - Eine Hip Hop Partei.” Find out why the artist supports immigration and more voting rights for foreigners in Germany yet rejects nationalism.

interview

'There are no burqas here': Meet the head of the German Muslim Council

Politicians are whipping up fear about Muslim women wearing burqas for their own political advantage, says Aiman Mazyek, head of the Central Council of Muslims.

spying

Merkel: first I heard of 'Prism' was in media

Chancellor Angela Merkel has rejected comparisons between US government spying and the secret police of the former East Germany. In an interview she defends the German secret service, as well as the practice of intercepting data.

scandal

President Wulff clings on

Embattled German President Christian Wulff said Wednesday he wanted to stay in office despite a mounting series of scandals that Chancellor Angela Merkel asked him to clear up.