Digital Democracy: How Google and Facebook Can Reshape Elections

Digital Democracy How Google and Facebook Can Reshape Elections

As their reach has grown, social networks have become true political players: They can mobilize voters and bombard specific users with a candidate's content. Next year's German federal election will likely be the country's first data-driven campaign, and some lawmakers are worried. By Marcel Rosenbach more... [ Comment ]

The Way Forward after Dieselgate: 'We Will Do Everything to Bring VW Back'

The Way Forward after Dieselgate 'We Will Do Everything to Bring VW Back'

Volkswagen is struggling. The diesel emissions scandal, slim profit margins and a leadership shake-up have challenged the automobile company. SPIEGEL sat down with senior members of the family, Wolfgang Porsche and Hans Michel Piëch, to discuss the path out of the disaster. Interview Conducted by Dietmar Hawranek and Armin Mahler more... [ Comment ]


'Reichsbürger' Shooting: An Anti-Government Group Turns Violent

'Reichsbürger' Shooting An Anti-Government Group Turns Violent

After a series of increasingly violent encounters between German authorities and Reichsbürger, a group that rejects the legitimacy of the German government, officials are concerned that they are radicalizing -- and turning from a nuisance into a threat. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]

Rapprochement or Penalties? Germany Struggles to Find United Stance on Russia

Rapprochement or Penalties? Germany Struggles to Find United Stance on Russia

Russian aggression in Syria has divided Merkel's coalition government. The chancellor isn't opposed to more sanctions, but the Social Democrats favor a conciliatory approach -- and are preparing to use the issue in the coming election campaign. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]


Foiled Islamist Attack in Germany: A Terrorist, Three Heroes and a Bumbling Judiciary

Foiled Islamist Attack in Germany A Terrorist, Three Heroes and a Bumbling Judiciary

Jaber al-Bakr was allegedly planning a terrorist attack in Berlin. But then he was captured, tied up and turned into the police by three Syrian refugees. SPIEGEL spoke with the trio and with al-Bakr's brother to learn more about the case -- one which ended with al-Bakr's suicide and questions about the German judiciary. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]

Ludwig II of Bavaria: The Kitsch King's Palaces Get a Facelift

Ludwig II of Bavaria The Kitsch King's Palaces Get a Facelift

Bavaria's King Ludwig II is largely remembered for the numerous fairytale palaces he built in the Alpine foothills of Bavaria, including Neuschwanstein castle. Now, though, many of them are in need of serious restoration work. And it's not going to be easy. By Matthias Schulz more... [ Comment ]


Attack Plans in Germany: Refugees Celebrate Capture of Terror Suspect

Attack Plans in Germany Refugees Celebrate Capture of Terror Suspect

Syrian refugees on Sunday night captured a man suspected of planning a terror attack in Germany, tied him up and turned him over to police. As information about his plans continues to emerge, Syrians in Germany are celebrating the man's capture. more...

Sheikh Up: Qatari Investors Eyeing Control of Deutsche Bank

Sheikh Up Qatari Investors Eyeing Control of Deutsche Bank

Strategic errors, massive fines and attacks by speculators have created a major crisis for Germany's most important bank. Now, investors from Qatar, who already own some 10 percent of Deutsche Bank, are considering taking control. By Martin Hesse and Christian Reiermann more... [ Comment ]


A Legacy of East Germany: Where Does the Hate Come From?

A Legacy of East Germany Where Does the Hate Come From?

Hatred of refugees is widespread in Germany, but it seems particularly prominent in the eastern half of the country. There are several reasons for that, and many of them stem from life under communism -- and unfulfilled expectations afterwards. An Essay by Stefan Berg more... [ Comment ]