There is a surprise in the election of the new Pope; an American as head of the world's largest religious community was long considered unthinkable.
With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Friday.
This is what happened: For the first time, an American has been elected pope: Robert Francis Prevost (69). He chose the papal name Leo XIV.
This is why it's important: Prevost represents continuity in the spirit of his predecessor, Pope Francis (✝88); his election is seen as a compromise – and at the same time a signal of unity. He combines American heritage, Latin American influence, and Roman leadership experience. Many of his positions contradict those of US President Donald Trump (78). A good fifth of Americans, approximately 77 million people, are Catholic.
This is how it continues: Leo XIV is likely to continue his predecessor's path towards a church with greater participation of all believers.
This is what happened: The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) will no longer publicly describe the AfD as a "confirmed right-wing extremist endeavor" until a court decision on an expedited procedure is reached. The domestic intelligence agency issued a so-called standstill pledge in the legal dispute with the AfD.
That's why it's important: AfD leaders are celebrating the commitment as the "first important step toward actually relieving our burden." In fact, it's merely formal: The Office for the Protection of the Constitution maintains its assessment.
Here's what's next: The expedited procedure could take a year or more. During that time, the AfD will continue to be considered a "suspected case." A possible ban application will likely also be on hold.
This is what it's about: The Left Party is meeting today for its federal party conference in Chemnitz. The conference will focus on the political guidelines for the next four years.
That's why it's important: After an unexpectedly good result in the federal election with 8.8 percent and a doubling of the number of members to 112,000 within a few months, the party is entering the new legislative period with momentum.
This is how it continues: The Left demands an end to the so-called incompatibility resolution, with which the Union excludes parliamentary cooperation with the Left.
What it's about: At the beginning of April, influencer Levi Penell (25) launched a petition against the supposedly "too difficult" math Abitur exam in Saarland. The joke turned into a nationwide debate about the lack of comparability of the Abitur exam in Germany.
That's why it's important: Difficult in Bavaria, easy in Bremen – there are many prejudices about the state-specific Abitur exams. Some are true. In 2017, for example, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled on the allocation of university places in medicine that the Abitur exams needed to be more comparable across states.
Here's what's next: The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) has made improvements, but the changes will not take full effect until the 2030 Abitur class. However, the KMK also says: Comparability has its limits.
This is what it's about: The new federal government wants to permanently reduce electricity prices for consumers and businesses by at least 5 cents per kilowatt hour.
This is why it's important: Electricity is already enormously expensive compared to other countries, and CO₂ prices for fossil fuels will soon be even higher. This is an enormous burden for private households and a massive competitive disadvantage for German companies.
Here's what's next: The federal government has announced plans to reduce electricity taxes and network charges—but the latter, in particular, has its pitfalls. Industry associations warn of a scam.
We wish you a decisive Friday and an energetic weekend. We'll be back for you on Monday morning,
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