Here are the latest headlines, reports, and analyses from across Germany on Monday, April 20:
Merz on hand for key trade fair
The Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest industrial trade fairs, started its second day on Monday and Chancellor Merz was in attendance alongside Brazilian government officials, including President da Silva.
Every year, a different partner country is highlighted at the fair. This time, Germany and Brazil are keen to deepen cooperation ahead of the full implementation of an EU-Mercosur free trade deal.
The controversial deal — European farmers are worried that stores will prefer to stock cheaper South American goods — has been provisionally applied before its official ratification by all member states.
The Mercosur group includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguary, Paraguay, and Bolivia, with several other nations in South America being associate countries.
Merz: 'Fuel supply in Germany is secure'
Chancellor Merz was keen to assuage fears about fuel storage and supply chains in Germany as the US-Israel war with Iran continues to disrupt global trade and send oil prices skyrocketing.
"For the moment, the market situation is tense, but supply in Germany is secure," Merz told reporters at the Hannover Messe when asked about the country's stores of oil, diesel, and kerosine.
He added: "In the event that the situation should worsen, we are prepared to take action. Security of supply is a top priority for Germany...the German economy and citizens must be able to rely on the fact that the supply of essential products such as diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel remains secure."
Merz's National Security Council is expected to address the issue directly in the coming days, and measures are already being taken by the Energy Security Task Force to shore up supplies. Critics of Merz's conservative-led government have pointed out that a great deal of funds meant for Germany's transition to renewable energy were diverted away from their stated purpose, leaving the country more vulnerable to flucuations like the one created by the US-Israel war with Iran.
A humpback whale nicknamed Timmy was reportedly back on the move on Monday morning after becoming stranded again over the weekend.
The story of the marine mammal, which first became stuck in Wismar Bay off of Germany's Baltic Sea cost on March 31, has garnered significant attention in Germany with some broadcasters dedicating 24/7 videostreams to his plight.
Now, rising water levels and strengthening winds have buoyed Timmy back out into open water under his own strength, which experts take as a postive sign.
He is due to be fitted with a tracking device to aid his onward journey back into the wild after rescue boats are done guiding him to the ocean.
The latest initiative was backed by several independent entities, including Walter Gunz, the co-founder of electronics giant MediaMarkt, after initial government interventions failed to bring Timmy back out to sea and hopes for his survival had faded.
Germany abandons rescue of stranded whale
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Good morning from Bonn as it basks in the spring sunshine.
Today we will bring you the latest a saga that has gripped Germany — the tale of Timmy of the whale.
At the same time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also trying to allay fears over energy and supply crises.
Also in Berlin, German-Brazilian government consultations continue a day after Merz welcomed President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to the capital.
Check back here as we bring you all the latest news from Germany.
