
German States Clash Over Tax Simplification Reforms
A power struggle between German federal states, particularly Bavaria and Hesse, is hindering efforts to significantly simplify tax declarations, as they fail to agree on a unified approach.
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A power struggle between German federal states, particularly Bavaria and Hesse, is hindering efforts to significantly simplify tax declarations, as they fail to agree on a unified approach.

The public prosecutor's office in Frankfurt, Germany, is investigating irregularities related to suspected election fraud in the municipal elections, noting that this is not the first election to prompt such an inquiry.

The Hessian state government, in collaboration with municipalities and housing associations, plans to offer subsidized housing and support to women leaving women's shelters, providing them with a path to independent living.

Authorities in the German state of Hesse are mandated to leave one in three vacant positions unfilled as part of cost-saving measures. Personnel expenses account for over a third of the state's budget.

A fire in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, has caused significant damage. The incident is being covered in a live blog detailing news from Frankfurt and Hesse.

Ashley Hesseltine, co-host of the 'Girls Gotta Eat' podcast, is set to release her first stand-up comedy special, 'Here Comes the Bride,' which will premiere live on YouTube.

Police forces in the German states of Hesse and Thuringia plan to jointly invest in modern helicopters, as their current aircraft are aging and not always fully operational.

A liveblog provides current news and weather updates for Frankfurt and Hessen, Germany, covering a mix of rain and sun for the Easter period.

A camel foal named Chuck has been born at the Opel Zoo in Frankfurt, Hessen, as part of the latest news from the region.

A debate is ongoing in Hesse, Germany, regarding the "Tanzverbot" (ban on dancing) on Good Friday, with discussions centering on individual freedoms versus religious observance and the need to review the state's holiday laws.

Police controls are being conducted in Hesse on Car-Freitag, with current news and updates available from Frankfurt and the region.

The German state of Hessen has introduced a new brand mascot, described as a gender-neutral 'shaggy animal,' which has drawn comparisons to a lion and sparked discussion about its design and potential impact.

Following the recent local elections in Hessen, Germany, which saw new majorities determined in 421 cities and municipalities and 21 districts, F.A.Z. correspondents provide an outlook on how governance will proceed in the Rhein-Main region's cities.

News from Frankfurt and Hessen reports a pensioner was robbed and subsequently pushed down a flight of stairs, with details emerging in a local news ticker.

Authorities have ordered pre-trial detention following a knife attack in the Frankfurt and Hessen region, as reported in a local news liveblog.

The German state of Hessen has introduced a new corporate design featuring a lion, colors, and font, but critics argue that 'homeland cannot be designed' and question the concept of cohesion behind the new emblem.

Renowned German singer-songwriter Stephan Sulke, born in 1943, spoke about his parents fleeing Hitler, his love for the German language, and his concerns about rising antisemitism during a performance in rural Hesse.

The Hessian Ministry of Education has made the 'Digital World' school subject an optional afternoon offering, a move criticized as detrimental to broad digital education.

Local elections in Wiesbaden, Hessen, have resulted in a 'debacle,' with discussions arising that the continuation of the left-wing alliance should not be an option despite changed majority conditions.

The ADAC has issued a warning for significant traffic congestion on highways in Hessen, Germany, as the Easter holidays commence, advising travelers to expect delays on specific routes and potential waiting times for air travel.

The German state of Hessen plans to combat the increasing issue of fake images and sex videos (deepfakes) targeting women online by establishing new positions within the public prosecutor's office and the State Criminal Police Office.

A liveblog covering news from Frankfurt and Hessen reports that a fifteen-year-old was shot with irritant gas, among other local news and updates.

In Marburg, Hesse, three eagle owl chicks were rescued from a nest box after their father had not brought food for days.

Hessen, Germany, is bracing for a return of winter weather, with forecasts predicting stormy gusts, sleet, thunderstorms, and snow, leading to expectations of slippery roads, especially in mountainous areas. Residents are warned of frost and black ice.

A pilot project in Hessen, Germany, is testing a new type of voluntary service, sending advertisements to 6,000 young people for better-paid and advised social and military service options.

The German state of Hessen is introducing a new corporate design, a move presented as a necessary modernization for digital communication but which has raised questions given current budget constraints.

An analysis of the 2026 Hessian municipal elections investigates the demographic of non-voters, noting that despite a higher turnout than five years prior, participation remained low at under 55 percent, raising questions about the electoral system.

Ing Ludwig Annang Hesse, President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, has asserted that engineering, science, and technology are crucial for Ghana's development, citing examples from China and other Asian countries.

Following the Hessen municipal elections, where the AfD achieved significant success, including a first-place trend in Biebesheim am Rhein, German parties are analyzing the results and potential future coalitions.

Investigators in Hesse, Germany, have taken action against fraud gangs using tactics like the 'grandparent scam' and 'shock calls' to extort money. Police advise ignoring such calls as the best defense.

The Social Democrats (SPD) experienced severe defeats in the Hessian local elections, losing almost 20 percentage points in former strongholds. This outcome is also causing concern for the Hessian CDU, fearing that their coalition partner might make their lives difficult.

Less money for psychotherapy - what that means for patients. In Hesse, a noise measurement project is underway, showing: it is often too loud. And: The Paralympics are over.

Giovanni Speranza runs a small-town cinema in the heart of Hesse. Here he reveals how he defies the constant crisis in the industry, how Oscar winners are received by the audience, and why he doesn't have...

Macron tanácsadói februárban azért érkeztek Moszkvába, hogy elérjék, európai delegáció is részt vehessen az ukránok és oroszok közötti béketárgyalásokon.

Local elections have commenced in Hessen, Germany, on March 15, 2026, with live updates on the ongoing process.

Former German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has reopened her constituency office in Hofheim, Hesse, and continues her role as SPD chairwoman in Schwalbach, marking her return to local politics after her ministerial tenure.

Szövetségbe tömörülve próbálják a klubok elérni, hogy ne lehessen őket csak úgy bezárni bemondások alapján.

In Babót, near Kapuvár, the mayor expressed anger after the village was plastered with Fidesz campaign posters featuring Gyopáros Alpár, a long-time adversary, leading to locals removing and then re-hanging the posters at inaccessible heights, sparking mixed reactions.

The CDU-led government in Hessen is calling for a reversal of the cannabis legalization law, comparing its negative impact to that of the heating law, but faces opposition from its social democratic coalition partner.

Die hauptstädtische Entbindungsklinik des CHL feiert ihr 90-jähriges Bestehen. Wir suchen das erste dort geborene Baby.
What’s on my mind: Katy Hessel The Observer

An article looks back at the first communal election in Hessen, Germany, held 80 years ago, noting the high voter turnout then compared to current expectations.

The reliability of the SPD in Hessen, Germany, is being questioned following a black-red compromise on the state's education budget, which critics say has not resolved the issue either substantively or politically.

The 'Hessen 5' section of the Rhein-Main-Link power line has been successfully planned, with grid operator Amprion engaging in dialogue with municipalities and residents to find a widely accepted solution.

Santiago Argelich Hesse, the new CEO of Telefónica Deutschland, stated in his first interview that telecommunication companies must transform, highlighting issues like ruinous competition and drawing on his experience from Ukraine regarding network resilience.

The Verdi union has called for nationwide warning strikes in public transport on Friday and Saturday in some regions of Germany to increase pressure in collective bargaining.

The construction of a large substation spanning 30 hectares in Wetterau, Hesse, Germany, has been postponed for several years, though the grid operator Tennet still intends to acquire land.

A 'Blitzermarathon' (speed camera marathon) is scheduled to take place on April 15 in Hessen, Germany, as part of local news updates for the Frankfurt and Hessen region.

The Rhein-Main region in Hessen, Germany, is experiencing significant traffic jams and flight cancellations as holidays conclude. This news is part of a live blog covering current events in Frankfurt and Hessen.
A released interrogation video shows Grace Hesselberg-Meyer stating her inheritance wishes, though her 35 million kroner ultimately went to different beneficiaries.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has released its first political plan outlining recommendations for navigating the "era of superintelligence," which includes proposals for universal AI access, a 32-hour work week, and wealth redistribution.

Law enforcement officials in Hessen, Germany, are encountering significant challenges in prosecuting cases of AI-generated deepfake pornography, as technological advancements outpace current legislation.

After extensive restoration by the Friedersdorf couple, the formerly neglected Schloss Nidda in Hessen, Germany, is now opening its tiny room in the Renaissance tower for weddings.

One person has died following an accident at a loading ramp in the Limburg-Weilburg district of Central Hesse, Germany, prompting investigations by police and occupational safety authorities.

A US judge has dismissed the sexual harassment case filed by actress Blake Lively against actor Justin Baldoni. The ruling brings an end to the legal proceedings between the two celebrities.

A fire broke out in a pig barn in Hünfelden, Mittelhessen, Germany, resulting in the death of 30 pigs. Firefighters were on the scene to extinguish the blaze.

Frankfurt and Hessen are anticipating mild but changeable weather conditions over the Easter holiday, with local news providing updates on current events in the region.

A reform of hunting law in Hessen, Germany, which permits the hunting of polecats and pine martens from April and birds outside their breeding season, is facing opposition. Nature conservationists are considering legal action, arguing that the changes violate EU law.

The mayor of Bursa, a partner city of Darmstadt, has been arrested. This news was reported in a liveblog covering events in Frankfurt and Hesse.

Crime statistics from the Darmstadt police headquarters in South Hesse, Germany, reveal an increase in attacks on police officers and a concerning rise in domestic violence, with police leadership lamenting a lack of respect for officers.

The weather in Hessen, Germany, is forecast to remain grey and uncomfortable before Easter, with thunderstorms, gales, snow, and hail expected in the coming days, though it may clear up later.

Unknown perpetrators are repeatedly poisoning, damaging, or felling trees in Hessen, Germany, with most culprits remaining unidentified and their motives largely unknown.

A recent hare count in Hessen, Germany, conducted by hunters using spotlights, has revealed a significant increase in the hare population, particularly in the eastern Wiesbaden area of Kloppenheim.

The AfD party has established a new youth organization named "Generation Deutschland" in Hessen, Germany, with a small but growing number of founding members.

The youth branch of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party in Hesse was founded in Fulda, marking a new development for the party in the region.

The Zurich Zoo has unveiled a new climate-friendly bratwurst made with a quarter pea protein, aiming to encourage meat-eaters to choose a more sustainable alternative to traditional veal sausages.

Hessian state employees are set to receive a three percent wage increase, as reported in the Rhein-Main-Liveblog covering current news and developments in Frankfurt and Hesse.

A regional briefing from Rhein-Main discusses German transport ministers debating train station safety, the AfD youth wing establishing a state association, and Hessen residents' appreciation for their local dialect.

The rural Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis has lost its status as one of Hessen's safest districts due to an increase in crime, with statistics showing that burglars are almost always repeat offenders, though a significant arrest was made.

Germany has commenced its asparagus harvest season, with the prized vegetable already being picked in some regions. Farmers in Griesheim, South Hesse, are optimistic about good conditions despite global political crises.

A report on salaries in Hessen, Germany, reveals that pilots earn considerably more than doctors on average, while cleaners receive about five times less than pilots.

Hesse's labor market is experiencing a divide, with record employment overall, but significant job losses continuing in the industrial and construction sectors, while employment in administration increases.

The German state of Hessen is introducing a new corporate design, sparking debate over its necessity during times of tight budgets.

A wastewater analysis of European cities shows: The largest city in Hesse consumes the most cocaine. And not just on weekends.

The AfD has seen gains in the Hessian municipal elections, even in areas where it did not field candidates. A political scientist discusses why AfD voters are difficult to win back, as the party emerges victorious in the Hessian communal elections.

A compromise has been reached, leading to the suspension of further warning strikes in municipal public transport across Hesse, bringing relief to commuters in cities like Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and Kassel, though some hurdles remain.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU is set to remain the strongest party at the local level in the central state of Hesse.

Preliminary results from the Hessen municipal elections show the CDU remaining the strongest force, with the SPD in second place. The AfD doubled its votes, surpassing the Greens to become the third strongest party.

Migros's ambitious project to expand into the German retail market with Tegut turned into a significant failure, prompting an investigation into the reasons behind the setback in Fulda, Hesse.
Wie hat Hessen gewählt? Welche Partei ist in den Kreisen und Gemeinden stärkste Kraft geworden? Hier finden Sie die Ergebnisse der Kommunalwahl 2026.

Communal elections in Hessen, Germany, are scheduled for March 15, 2026, with current news focusing on the size of the ballots as a significant topic of discussion.

Mail-in voting in Hessen, Germany, is discussed for its convenience in increasing voter participation but also its potential to weaken democracy, with the traditional polling station seen as a better model.

In the Rhein-Main region, municipal parliaments are addressing challenges like commercial areas, bureaucracy reduction, and investments, with warnings that abstaining from the March 15 election could strengthen redistribution concepts.

Hesse's state government is pushing to bring Frankfurt into the top 10 global financial centers by accelerating work permits, combating no-go areas, and encouraging savers to become investors, recognizing the capital market's importance after politicians previously avoided Frankfurt during the financial crisis.

Meddig képes az ember meghunyászkodva a saját lábvizében ázni? Már csak 13 millió forint hiányzik és megtudhatjuk.

Judges in Hesse, Germany, have warned that the number of new asylum procedures before administrative courts significantly increased in 2025, leading to potential bottlenecks despite additional staff.

Hundreds of Iranian students at universities in Hesse and Mainz support the war against their home country but are deeply concerned, not only for their relatives.

Three young Left Party politicians in Frankfurt are facing accusations of antisemitism shortly before the municipal elections, which the party dismisses as a smear campaign.

The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Hesse wants to reclaim a good 56 million euros from an operator of Corona test centers.

The German state of Hessen is planning a 6G development site to advance the next generation of mobile communication, aiming for market readiness by 2030 in collaboration with private sector partners.

How many children can be created from the sperm donations of a single man? A young woman from Hesse wants clarity about her origins and is taking legal action.

Two men were killed in an industrial accident in Birstein, Hessen, Germany, after falling from a significant height while working on a wind turbine.
Myeco Group has announced the appointment of Yann Hessel as its new Chief Financial Officer.

Hessen führt zurzeit die Rechtsaufsicht über das ZDF. Die Staatskanzlei fordert vom Sender, zu erklären, wie es zu dem KI-Fake im „heute journal“ kam. Das ZDF hatte herumgeeiert und dann eine Korrespo

Police in South Hesse, Germany, inspected 24 tour buses, primarily from Eastern Europe, finding such severe defects in some that they were prohibited from continuing their journeys. A curious discovery was also made during the checks.
A nine-hour negotiation regarding the million-dollar inheritance of Grace Hesselberg-Meyer ended without an agreement, leaving the decision to the court.

What's happening in Frankfurt & Hesse? Read current news & reports in today's news ticker ► Find out what's important today at F.A.Z.

Family-run, highly specialized companies in Hesse, known as 'Hidden Champions' for dominating global niche markets, are reportedly facing increasing dangers as their once stable industrial environment erodes.

Current news from Frankfurt and Hessen reports sunny skies and mild temperatures across the region.

A special exhibition at the Hessian Doll and Toy Museum in Hanau explores the concept of favorite childhood toys and showcases those beloved by people from Hesse.

Municipal elections in Hesse, Germany, have resulted in further fragmentation of local parliaments, prompting discussions on how to address potential political stalemates.

Benedikt Kuhn, the right-hand man of Hessian Minister President Boris Rhein, brings a 'Bavarian stable smell' to the Hessian State Chancellery, drawing criticism for his style learned from CSU politician Alexander Dobrindt.

Frankfurt Airport is anticipating a high volume of passengers, as reported in a regional news liveblog for Frankfurt and Hessen. Travelers are advised to expect increased activity at the airport.

The Rhein-Main region of Hessen, Germany, has seen an increase in traffic accidents resulting in injuries.

The German state of Hessen has experienced a downturn in its labor market, with a decrease in the number of employed individuals for the first time, signaling a potential trend reversal.

A report from Hessen, Germany, indicates an increase in the availability of organic eggs for the upcoming Easter holiday.

Hessen's price-adjusted gross domestic product decreased by 0.2 percent in 2025, while Germany's overall economic output slightly increased, with the services sector primarily hindering Hessen's development.

The weather in Hessen, Germany, is forecast to remain grey and uncomfortable, with thunderstorms and gales expected in the coming days before Easter.

Milkowitsch has been elected as the new mayor of Schwalbach, a town in the Frankfurt & Hessen region of Germany.

The youth wing of the AfD, 'Generation Deutschland', has founded a state association in Fulda, Hesse, with Nafiur Rahman as its chairman, amidst peaceful and manageable protests.

The number of maternity wards in Hesse, Germany, has halved since the early 1990s, primarily attributed to economic pressures and a shortage of skilled personnel.

The Rhein-Main region in Hessen, Germany, is forecast to experience rain and snow showers.

Digital education in Hessen, Germany, which was previously tested in 80 schools, will now be integrated into the full-day program as an extracurricular activity instead of becoming a mandatory subject, a decision that has angered teachers who view it as a 'catastrophic educational policy' in the age of AI.

Parents in Offenbach and Frankfurt are criticizing the Hessian state government's plans for budget cuts in schools, with integrated comprehensive schools anticipating reductions in support hours and inclusion programs.

A strategic paper in Hessen, Germany, affirms the continued establishment of data centers as crucial for industrial structural change, despite some differing signals from individual municipalities in the Rhein-Main region.

A fire was reported on a customer toilet at the Nordpark shopping center in Frankfurt, Hessen, according to local news.

The A3 highway in the Rhein-Main region of Germany is being fully closed for construction work, impacting traffic in Frankfurt and Hessen.

A pub owner in Frankfurt, Hessen, reportedly engaged in a scuffle with a masked intruder during a burglary, according to local news reports.

After a pleasant start to the week, a weather change is expected in Hessen, Germany, bringing rain, cooler temperatures, and even snow showers in the mountainous regions by mid-week.

A man was driven 180 kilometers across Northern Hesse and Southern Lower Saxony in a taxi, then fled without paying the 423-euro fare, but the quick-thinking taxi driver apprehended him.

Donald Trump kamatcsökkentést szeretett volna, de a Federal Reserve úgy döntött, ilyen gazdasági helyzetben egyelőre ennek nincs itt az ideje.

Die AfD Sieger auch in der hessischen Kommunalwahl

Two individuals were fatally shot in a bistro in Raunheim, Hesse, Germany, overnight. Police reported that an unknown assailant entered the bar and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Kommunalwahl in Hessen am 15. März 2026: Aktuelle Nachrichten live

Die deutlichen Verluste der Grünen und der SPD in Hessen sind die Fortsetzung einer Abwärtsbewegung der beiden Parteien. Wer sie vor der nächsten Wahl stoppen kann, ist noch nicht zu erkennen.

Early trends for the Hessen municipal elections, scheduled for March 15, 2026, indicate that the CDU is clearly leading. Vote counting is anticipated to be a significant effort, with live updates on the process.

Local elections in Hesse, Germany, experienced issues such as oversized ballot papers, long queues in Bad Soden, and a color-coded paper system in Schwalbach, as reported by a visit to three polling stations.

German politician Friedrich Merz is facing a new election test in Hesse state, where the far-right AfD party is expected to make fresh gains. The upcoming local elections are taking place as fuel prices soar, prompting German MPs to urge measures to offset the economic impact.

Ahead of Sunday's municipal elections in Hessen, Germany, there is significant concern about further fragmentation of the political landscape. Notably, the AfD is not contesting in some of its traditional strongholds.

Germany is releasing part of its national oil reserves to stabilize markets and mitigate rising energy prices, with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche reportedly giving in on the decision.

ZDF reporter Golineh Atai, entertainer Frank Elstner, and the producers of an ARD 'Tatort' from Hesse are among this year's Grimme Prize winners.


Voters in the Hessian municipal elections are reportedly concerned about issues such as firework bans, gender-neutral language, and traffic. The Voto municipal election compass is available to assist voters, and an analysis of Frankfurt's results will provide scientific insights.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing a tense election in Hesse, with the outcome expected to be very close.

Hesse's CDU parliamentary group leader, Ines Claus, discusses her rise in the federal party, the search for a presidential candidate, and the roles of women in various professions, coinciding with International Women's Day.

A court has temporarily ruled that a COVID-19 test center operator does not have to repay 56 million Euros to the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung Hessen, though the decision leaves room for future action.

A twenty-year-old man has been arrested in the Netherlands in connection with a series of bomb attacks in Hesse last summer. He is accused of recruiting and instructing youths for the attacks in Frankfurt and Taunusstein.

Mike Deckwarth ist auf dem Weg in den Urlaub in Thailand in Dubai gestrandet. Im Interview spricht der Rheinhesse über die Zustände dort und die Äußerungen von Außenminister Johann Wadephul.

Two workers died in a tragic industrial accident at a wind turbine in Hesse, Germany, after a basket they were in fell.

Since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, many refugees have come to Hesse. Finding work here is difficult for many, and it's not just because of the language.

An opinion piece in FAZ argues that Hesse's municipal election law is flawed due to excessive reforms, leading to overly large ballots and public confusion.