German coalition dilemma: Schulze's Left Party problem, plus new infrastructure defense plans

A motion filed within the Christian Democratic Union's (CDU) district branch in Harz could threaten the political future of Saxony-Anhalt's state premier, Sven Schulze. The motion challenges the party's strict policy of refusing any cooperation with the Left Party, a question now resurfacing shortly before upcoming elections. Should the motion pass, it could strip Schulze of any viable path to forming a governing coalition. Journalist Nikolaus Doll of WELT reported on the events of a notable evening within the party branch and on the chain reaction that could now spread through the wider CDU.

Digital security and artificial intelligence

In a separate interview, Germany's digital minister, Karsten Wildberger, discussed the growing threat posed by autonomous AI agents operating within corporate networks. He outlined a proposal for a global regulatory framework modeled on the approach used for nuclear energy, while acknowledging how vulnerable current systems still are to such risks.

Protecting critical infrastructure

Amid a rise in attacks targeting energy supply facilities, Germany's interior ministry, led by Alexander Dobrindt, is drafting plans to grant operators of critical infrastructure expanded rights to self-defense. However, business groups are pushing back firmly against the proposal, particularly opposing the idea of allowing companies to build private drone fleets for protection. Corporations argue that ensuring security remains the state's responsibility and reject any partial privatization of security functions.