King Klingbeil and tips against Trump's tech ruler

Dear readers,

With these five important topics, you will be well informed for your Wednesday in five minutes.

This is what it's about: Lars Klingbeil (47) is already the head of the SPD. Today he is to get a new job: that of the SPD parliamentary group chairman.

That's why it's important: Klingbeil will become the strongest man in the SPD. At the same time, the party will clarify who will lead the possible coalition negotiations with the Union. However, there is also criticism within the SPD - after all, the party leadership promised a renewal after the election defeat. And Klingbeil is also responsible for the election campaign.

This is how it continues: Coalition talks could begin soon - the Union is pushing for a quick start. And if Klingbeil holds on to top positions, he could become the SPD's next candidate for chancellor.

This is what it's about: After the federal election, the CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens are discussing how the federal government can provide more money for defense without violating the debt brake. To achieve this, a change to the Basic Law is being discussed, which in turn requires a two-thirds majority.

That's why it's important: Defense spending must rise significantly because of the war in Ukraine and the increased NATO contributions. Without a change to the Basic Law, these increases could only be implemented through drastic austerity measures or tax increases. The Union, SPD and Greens only have the required two-thirds majority in the current parliament. In the new Bundestag, the AfD and the Left could block the plans.

This is how things continue: It is expected that the CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens will push through a change to the Basic Law before the new Bundestag is constituted. The parties are in discussions on this.

This is what it is about: Exactly one year ago today, former RAF terrorist Daniela Klette (66) was arrested in Berlin.

That's why it's important: Klette is said to have been involved in terrorist attacks by the RAF in the 1990s, among other things. Her arrest has brought the RAF back into the public spotlight. Since then, there has been a debate in Germany about how to deal with former terrorists.

This is how it continues: On March 25, the trial against Klette begins at the Verden Regional Court. The security authorities are expecting solidarity rallies from the left-wing extremist scene in the area. The manhunt is still ongoing for two other former RAF members, Burkhard Garweg and Ernst-Volker Staub.

This is what it's about: Many large tech companies from the USA support - sometimes more, sometimes less directly - the policies of Donald Trump (78). This can have consequences for European users.

That's why it's important: The tech industry and politics are becoming more and more intertwined in the USA. The US government has recently used digital services as a bargaining chip in disputes. In addition, there are laws such as the Cloud Act of 2018 that allow US authorities access to user data from Europe.

This is how it continues: Instead of relying on US products such as Google Maps, iCloud or Whatsapp, European services or free open source models can also be used. In many cases, these are in no way inferior to US products.

This is what it's about: Due to the increasingly mild winters in Germany, ticks are now active all year round. The number of infections caused by the disease they transmit, TBE, is increasing.

That's why it's important: Experts are concerned that the disease is occurring in more and more regions - even in areas that were not previously considered risk areas. Nevertheless, many people in Germany do not have adequate vaccination protection. TBE can cause serious neurological damage and in many cases lead to long-term and dangerous illnesses.

This is what happens next: In view of climate change, a further spread of TBE is expected. Experts therefore already consider the whole of Germany to be a risk area.

We wish you a day with bite but without blood loss

Jens Strube and Jan Petermann

Do you have any suggestions or criticism? Please write to us at [email protected]

The 5 most important topics, consumable in 5 minutes. Compact and intelligently informed, with greater utility for your life.

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