In an opinion of 16 October 2026 the Bundesrat criticised the plan for tax-free Sunday and holiday supplements and welcomed a trade tax change for data centres.
Politics
German politics in English: the federal government, the Bundestag, the 16 states, elections and the laws that come out of them.
Federal government rejects the states’ call for permanent funding of its planned childcare law
Germany’s states want lasting federal money for a planned law to improve childcare quality. The government has now rejected this in writing.
Germany's new Federal Police Act takes effect, with drone defence and phone surveillance powers
Since 28 October 2026 Germany's Federal Police may defend against drones, intercept communications preventively and apply for detention pending deportation.
Politics Explainer
How the Bundesrat, Germany's chamber of the states, works
The Bundesrat gives Germany's 16 state governments a say in federal laws and EU affairs. Who sits in it, how its 69 votes work and when it can block a law.