Berlin's Chilly Wake-Up Call: Power Struggles and Political Moves

Berlin is in the grip of a cold snap, but it's not just the weather keeping residents shivering. A suspected arson attack on a cable bridge has left thousands without power, with some areas still in the dark two days later. The attack, claimed by a left-wing group called the Vulkangruppe, targeted the fossil fuel industry but ended up affecting wealthy districts like Wannsee and Zehlendorf. The group even apologized to less affluent residents, showing a strange sense of irony. Meanwhile, authorities are working to restore power, but it might take until Thursday for everyone to be back online. While Berlin deals with its power struggle, Germany's foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, is making waves on the international stage. He's kicked off the year with a trip to Lithuania, showing solidarity with NATO's eastern flank. Wadephul stressed the need for Europe to stand united against Russia's threats and reiterated Germany's support for Ukraine. He also addressed US President Donald Trump's comments about Greenland, reminding everyone that the Arctic island is part of NATO member Denmark and thus under the alliance's protection.Back on the home front, Germany is making strides in renewable energy. Solar power now accounts for 18% of domestic electricity production, up from 14% the previous year. However, despite this growth, the rate is still not enough to meet the country's climate targets for 2030. Meanwhile, alcohol remains cheap in Germany, with prices 14% below the EU average. This might explain why Germans are still among the heaviest drinkers in Europe, though consumption has dropped slightly in recent years. In other news, a burning smell on an Air France flight from Beirut to Paris led to an unscheduled landing in Munich. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the smell is still unknown. And in a possible break in a high-profile case, police in North Rhine-Westphalia believe they may have found the license plates from the getaway cars used in a Christmas bank heist.