14 Apr 2026: Germany: 5 Things

 1.  The logistics industry of Germany...is heavy on criticism that the 'help' that the gov't is going to provide (17-cents off the energy tax for two months)....does not start until 1 May.  The 'stall' as some indicate....will push some trucking companies toward bankruptcy.

They may have a point, but the current gov't is not really built to handle problems such as this gas price crisis.  Once you have twenty or thirty trucking companies fail....then they will convene a new crisis team, and spend a weekend talking over a new problem and design more regulations to fit a situation.

2.  My feelings over the Hungary election?

Orbin out....Magyar in.....right-wing-XL guy out....right-wing-lite guy in.

If you look at the new parliament.....only three parties got seats....far-right-extreme, far-right-XL....and far-right-moderate.

All this tough anti-Russia talk....probably forgotten in six months.  There might be a couple of Russian  journalists asked to leave...but beyond, mostly fake chatter.

The one issue with Magyar?  He's prone to stupid mistakes (that past cocaine issue, the dog episode, and his ex-wife's stories).  If you asked me on betting odds....I'd say within two years.....his party has to force him to exit.

3.  BASF CEO says for the remainder of 2026....financial chaos for Germany....mostly over Iran situation.   

4.  Focus says:  Putin's mega-villa....now protected by 27 different air defense systems.  

5. WELT poll: Majority of Germans now support a temp speed limit on autobahns....120 kph.  Note: they used the term 'temporary'.  

My belief....within two months, some text will exist for a new law....but will be worded to be a two-year period.   During that period....they will collect data to show lesser accidents (at least on autobahns), and work to convince people to keep the limit.