Germany news: Merz booed as he advocates economic reform
dw.com • • world
Key Points:
- German airline Lufthansa plans to increase its stake in ITA Airways from 41% to 90% as early as this summer, with a full takeover expected by 2028 pending regulatory approval and a €325 million payment in 2027.
- Lufthansa and ITA Airways have already surrendered some takeoff and landing slots in Milan and Rome as part of competition remedies related to the acquisition.
- A survey reveals that only about 40% of German workers are actively planning for retirement, with those in weaker economic situations less likely to engage in retirement planning despite its importance.
- Germany's inflation rate rose to 2.9% in April, driven mainly by a 10.1% increase in energy prices linked to the Iran war, while food prices increased moderately and core inflation stood at 2.3%.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged the German Trade Union Confederation to accept necessary economic reforms to overcome stagnation, emphasizing the need for growth to sustain jobs, pensions, and welfare amid rising costs and structural challenges.