Germany’s Merz falls short of majority in vote for chancellor

Paul Kirby and Jessica Parker In London and Berlin Conservative colleague Johann Wadephul: “I’m sure [Merz] will be the next chancellor” Germany’s conservative leader has unexpectedly fallen short of a majority in a parliament vote to become chancellor. Friedrich Merz needed 316 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag but only secured 310, in a significant blow … Read more

Ukrainian singer’s home destroyed as she rehearses

The home of Ukrainian Eurovision contestant Khrystyna Starykova has been destroyed by Russian shelling in the city of Myrnograd. The 19-year-old is currently in Switzerland rehearsing for her performance with the band Ziferblat, but posted photos of her damaged apartment block in the Sviltly neighbourhood. “Home. And I dreamed so much of returning home,” she … Read more

Merz defeat ‘an obstacle not a catastrophe’

Germany’s conservative leader has unexpectedly fallen short of a majority in a parliament vote to become chancellor. Friedrich Merz needed 316 votes in the 630-seat Bundestag but only secured 310, in a significant blow to the Christian Democrat leader, two and a half months after winning Germany’s federal elections. His coalition with the centre-left has … Read more

Man who died after collapsing on Errigal named

The man who died after collapsing on Errigal mountain in County Donegal at the weekend was Carl Henderson, from Moira, County Armagh. Donegal mountain rescue team said the hill walker, a father-of-three in his 40s, went into cardiac arrest while climbing the peak. Paramedics, who were hiking on the mountain, tried to resuscitate him. He … Read more