
The Duma election was not free and was manipulated – so far, so clear. Nevertheless, the outcome reveals something about the future of Putin's system.
AI-generated summary
The Duma election took place in September 2026. The author assesses the election as unfree and manipulated.
The Duma election was not free and was manipulated – so far, so clear. Nevertheless, the outcome reveals something about the future of Putin's system.
At nationwide DGB rallies, 175,000 people took to the streets for a strong welfare state. The unions criticize the government's reform plans for pensions and working hours as well as the threat of job cuts, especially in the automotive industry.

Munich is applying as a candidate for the Olympic Games from 2036. The city must now push forward infrastructure projects such as the Olympic Village and the S-Bahn expansion. The project also strengthens political cooperation between Mayor Dominik Krause and Markus Söder.

Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov met on the sidelines of the UN general debate in New York for a 20-minute conversation. It is the first bilateral meeting at this level since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022.
US President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran had previously proposed a "seven-day plan" that included lifting the US naval blockade against Iran as a condition.
Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov met on the sidelines of the UN general debate in New York for a 20-minute conversation, the first direct exchange at this level since 2022.

At nationwide DGB rallies in 15 cities, 175,000 people demonstrated against social cuts, pension reforms and longer working hours. Trade union leaders sharply criticized the government coalition's policies.