News from Berlin
Exiled Iranians call for a demonstration in Berlin
On February 7, Iranian exile groups called for a large demonstration in Berlin. The organisers have registered 20,000 participants with the police. However, far more people have attended that. The call comes from a broad spectrum of Iranian associations and exiled opposition organizations active in Germany and other European countries. They are united by their outrage at the violent suppression of the protests and their desire for regime change. The rally also demanded a reorientation of German policy toward Iran. What has already changed is the tone of the German government toward the Iranian leadership. For example, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has questioned its legitimacy. Source: tagesschau
Warning strikes on Wednesday: daycare centers, schools and government offices
Due to a warning strike called by ver.di in the public sector, Berliners faced restrictions in daycare centers, schools and district offices on February 11. Employees of the fire department, police, and senate administrations are also expected to join in and participate in a large demonstration and rally in Potsdam. In collective bargaining negotiations with the federal states, ver.di is demanding a 7% increase in monthly wages, but at least an additional €300 for lower wage groups. In recent weeks, there have already been widespread warning strikes in several federal states, including at schools. Source: berlin.de
AfD Youth Organisation establishes chapters in Berlin and Brandenburg
The new AfD youth organization, “Generation Germany,” established state chapters in Brandenburg and Berlin on February 7. State parliament member Fabian Jank was elected chairman in Brandenburg as the sole candidate, unanimously. According to the AfD, the Berlin branch is launching with approximately 70 members. Both new branches were accompanied by protests. Around 100 people gathered outside the venue in Königs Wusterhausen to protest against the AfD youth organization. In Berlin, around 130 people participated in a counter-protest, demonstrating behind the erected barriers with chants and banners bearing slogans such as “Ban the AfD now!” Source: rbb
Last Generation: a criminal organisation?
The Potsdam Regional Court has opened legal proceedings against climate activists from the now-dissolved climate group Last Generation. Five members must now face charges of being part of a criminal organization. The corresponding letter from the Potsdam Regional Court was made available to “taz”; the court could not be reached for comment. Potsdam is thus the first court to actually bring this charge before a judge. At the same time, the public prosecutor’s offices in Flensburg and Munich have also filed charges under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code. This section allows the police relatively low thresholds for extensive surveillance measures. Source: taz
Homeowners can be liable for accident damage caused by icy conditions
Homeowners must ensure that sidewalks adjacent to their house or property can be safely accessed when icy. This is regulated by the Berlin Street Cleaning Act. The so-called gritting obligation begins at 7 a.m. on weekdays and ends at 8 p.m. If freezing rain or sleet is forecast for the entire day, the homeowner must grit or salt several times. Those who don’t want to clear the snow and ice themselves can delegate this responsibility to a professional winter service or a building manager. However, homeowners must regularly check that the obligation to clear snow and ice is being reliably fulfilled; otherwise, they remain liable in the event of accidents. Source: Unfallkasse Berlin
News from Germany
UN Report: freedom of expression in Germany is “Restricted”
The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Expression, Irene Khan, has issued an alarming assessment of Germany. In her “preliminary observations” following an official visit from January 26 to February 6, 2026, she writes that freedom of expression in Germany is being undermined by several “negative developments.” Khan lists specific allegations that, in her view, reveal a pattern: restrictions and bans on peaceful protests, “arbitrary arrests and detentions,” “excessive use of force,” deportation threats, and raids on the homes of human rights defenders. She describes the societal consequences: less public participation, shrinking debates in science and art, and a general climate of mistrust and uncertainty. Source: itidal
Germany launches 2026 “microcensus”
The German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) has launched the 2026 microcensus, which will focus on housing. Over the course of the year, 1% of the German population will be surveyed as part of that microcensus. During the current year, participating households will be surveyed four times. In the first survey, they will answer general questions about the people in the household. The second survey will focus on work, the third on income and the fourth on using the internet. Destatis has sent out letters to selected participants who are obliged to take part. This is so that they represent properly the broader population. Source: iamexpat
Germany: attacks on journalists increase sharply
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) registered a total of 818 politically motivated crimes targeting media outlets in Germany between April 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. Among these were 89 violent offenses. Security authorities attribute approximately one-third of these crimes—a total of 244—to the political right, and 78 to the left. They see a foreign ideology behind 153 cases and a religious ideology behind 31. A further 312 offenses fall under the category of “other affiliation.” These figures come from a response by the Federal Government to a parliamentary inquiry from the Left Party, which was obtained by the newspaper “Rheinische Post.” Source: dw
Warning strikes across almost all of Germany
On Wednesday, February 11, negotiations will take place likely for the last time in the current round of wage talks, regarding the salaries of state public sector employees. A day before, unions planned to further increase pressure on employers with warning strikes across almost all of Germany – the only exception being Hesse. University hospitals, colleges, and road construction authorities are particularly affected. In some states, daycare centers and schools are also expected to be affected. The Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA) believes the strikes are going too far. “Germany urgently needs a law for fair rules during strikes,” said Managing Director Steffen Kampeter to the Bild newspaper. Source: tagesschau
