A German court has sentenced a 26-year-old Greek man to 10 years in prison for fatally assaulting train conductor Serkan Calar during a ticket inspection in Rhineland-Palatinate. The attack, captured on security cameras, sparked national outrage and raised concerns about rail worker safety.

Calar, 36, was asked to leave the train after failing to produce a ticket and refusing to identify himself. The defendant repeatedly punched him in the head, causing a brain hemorrhage that led to his death two days later. Prosecutors sought 12 years for bodily harm resulting in death, but the court ruled out murder intent. The verdict can be appealed.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his coalition's first-year record in a Bundestag speech, promising a 'real new beginning' and touting economic reforms. He criticized radical parties, saying they 'divide our country and would lead it into the abyss.'

Far-right AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla accused Merz of failing on reform and losing public trust. 'Nobody can rely on your word,' he said, specifically criticizing health and social policies. A survey found 79% of Germans worry about their finances, with 28% expecting deterioration.

Volkswagen bosses are reportedly considering cutting 100,000 jobs worldwide and closing three German plants, as well as an Audi factory, amid pressure from US tariffs, weak EV margins, and Chinese competition. Unions have vowed to resist any closures.

The EU's climate service reported that June 2026 was the hottest on record for the bloc, while Germany's public health institute said over 5,000 people died from heat-related causes in 2026, mostly during a June heatwave.

Source: www.dw.com