Germany news: Leipzig ramming suspect to appear in court

What you need to know

• A 33-year-old German man is set to appear in court as the suspect in a deadly car ramming in Leipzig
• Authorities say they are treating it as a deliberate rampage but not politically or religiously motivated
• German companies have been hit by the fallout from the Iran war, with the sharpest downturn among firms those operating in the Gulf region
• Only 21% of firms expect improvement over the next 12 months, while 32% foresee a decline

Here is a roundup of stories from and about Germany on Tuesday, May 5, 2026:

German minister defends fuel tax cut, rejects speed limit

German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has defended Germany's fuel tax cut and signaled it could be extended.

He told RND the so-called reduction was the right decision, adding some sectors and drivers depended on cars and trucks and needed support.

Fuel taxes were cut by about 17 cents per liter starting May 1, costing the state billions in lost revenue. The measure is set to run for two months, though Schnieder said a decision on any extension would depend on how the situation develops.

Environmental groups like Greenpeace want the cut to be reversed as "quickly as possible," saying it is likely to line the pockets of oil companies and benefit commuters with "gas-guzzling cars."

Many experts have criticized the policy, warning it could boost fuel demand. Economists have suggested a general highway speed limit to curb consumption.

However, Schieder rejected that idea, saying it was not for the state to dictate everything.

"Anyone who still hasn't grasped that driving at 180 or 200 km/h on the motorway empties their tank much faster, and thus empties their wallet much faster, than at 120 or 130 km/h, is beyond help," he told the RND. "The state doesn't have to be everyone's nanny and tell everyone what's good and right. Therefore, I consider a speed limit unnecessary."

The real reason Germans won't stop speeding

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German firms hit by fallout from Iran war

German companies have been feeling the impact of the Iran war, especially in their Middle East operations, a survey has shown.

The downturn is most pronounced among firms active in the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Israel, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where assessments of current business conditions have sharply deteriorated. Sentiment has also worsened in countries such as India and Sri Lanka due to their dependence on energy imports from the region, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) said.

The DIHK's head of foreign trade, Volker Treier, said hopes for an economic recovery had been dashed, adding the global economy is in "crisis mode" and companies are experiencing this directly. "This is more than just a slowdown in the economy. Uncertainty ​is becoming the determining factor," Trier said.

The DIHK survey, based on responses from more than 4,500 internationally active companies, found only 21% expect economic conditions to improve at their foreign locations over the next 12 months, while 32% anticipate a decline.

High energy costs are now seen as the biggest risk by 46% of firms, more than double the level in autumn 2025. Supply chain disruptions (40%) and rising raw material prices (37%) are also major concerns.

Germany's chemical industry hit by high energy prices

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Leipzig car ramming suspect to face judge

A suspect in a deadly car ramming in Leipzig is set to appear before a judge, as prosecutors move swiftly to formalize charges.

Authorities said the 33-year-old German man surrendered without resistance after the attack and is expected to be brought before a magistrate, who will decide on pre-trial detention.

Two people — a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man — were killed, and at least three others seriously injured when the driver plowed through a central pedestrian area. Officials have described the incident as a deliberate rampage but say there is no indication of a political or religious motive.

The suspect was previously known to police but not for relevant offenses, according to reports. He was detained inside the vehicle shortly after the incident.

Prosecutors are likely to pursue charges including murder and attempted murder, as investigators continue to examine the suspect’s background and mental state.

Leipzig's chief public prosecutor Claudia Laube reaffirmed that authorities assume a rampage. There are no indications of "another interpretation" and no signs of additional perpetrators.

Saxony state premier Michael Kretschmer expressed deep shock and said his thoughts were with the victims and their families. "Such an act leaves us speechless — and it makes us determined. We will do everything to clarify it quickly and fully. The rule of law will act with full consequence," Kretschmer said.

Welcome to our coverage

Guten Tag from the DW newsroom in Bonn.

You join us in the aftermath of a deadly car ramming in the eastern city of Leipzig that left two people dead and at least three seriously injured.

The suspect is set to face a judge later on Tuesday. Prosecutors say he appeared to have acted alone and apparently had no political motive. 

Stick with us to find out more about this and more of the news coming out of Germany today.