German news: Stranded whale Timmy on the move again

Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest industrial trade fairs, began its second day on Monday, with Prime Minister Merz in attendance along with Brazilian government officials, including President da Silva.

Each year, the trade fair features different partner countries. This time, Germany and Brazil are keen to deepen cooperation ahead of the full implementation of the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement.

The controversial agreement is being applied on an interim basis before being formally ratified by all member states, as European farmers fear stores will prioritize stocking cheaper South American products.

The Mercosur group includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia, as well as several other South American countries.

Merz was keen to allay concerns about Germany’s fuel storage and supply chain as the U.S.-Israel war with Iran disrupts global trade and oil prices continue to soar.

“The market situation is tense at the moment, but supplies in Germany are safe,” Merz told reporters at the Hannover Messe, when asked about the country’s stockpiles of oil, diesel and kerosene.

He added: “If the situation worsens, we stand ready to take action. Security of supply is a top priority for Germany…The German economy and people must be able to trust in the fact that supplies of essential goods such as diesel, gasoline and jet fuel remain secure.”

Merz’s National Security Council is expected to address the issue directly in the coming days, and the Energy Security Select Committee has already taken steps to shore up supplies. Critics of the conservative-led Merz government say large sums of money earmarked for Germany’s renewable energy transition have been diverted from their intended purpose, leaving the country more vulnerable to fluctuations like the one caused by the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.

The humpback whale, nicknamed Timmy, reportedly stranded again over the weekend, but was relocated again on Monday morning.

The story of the marine mammal, who first became stranded in Wismar Bay off Germany’s Baltic Sea coast on March 31, has garnered significant attention in Germany, with some broadcasters broadcasting 24/7 video streams of his plight.

Rising water levels and strong winds are now allowing Timmy to return to the open sea on his own, which experts see as a positive sign.

After being guided out to sea by a rescue boat, the animal will be fitted with a tracking device to help it return to the wild.

This latest effort was backed by several independent groups, including Walter Ganz, co-founder of electronics giant Mediamarkt, after initial government interventions failed to return Timmy to the sea and hopes of his survival dwindled.

Good morning from Bon, bathed in the spring sunshine.

Today we bring you the latest installment of the story that captivated Germany: the story of Timmy the Whale.

At the same time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also trying to allay concerns about the energy and supply crisis.

The day after Chancellor Merz welcomed President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the capital, German-Brazilian government talks continue in Berlin.

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