News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Merkel’s party celebrates election victory

The party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel - the centre-right CDU - is celebrating a resounding victory after winning over 41% of the vote together with its sister party, the CSU. It was their best election result in over two decades. However, Merkel - who looks set for a third term in office - will have to seek a new coalition partner following a disastrous showing for the Free Democrats which polled less than 5% and will have no representation in parliament. Quentin Peel from the Financial Times in Berlin says Merkel is expected to seek a grand coalition with the SPD, but he says it could take some time: "the last time it took 65 days to negotiate a Grand Coalition government. The Social Democrats are very divided on this and a lot don't want to be part of it so there is an outside chance I think that we might end up with a Green coalition with Frau Merkel which would be the first time ever - very interesting - but the most likely (outcome) is a Grand Coalition".

Nairobi siege enters 3rd day

Reports coming in from Kenya over the last hour say there've been several large explosions at the shopping mall in Nairobi where militants from Somalia's al Qaeda-linked al-Shabab movement are holding a number of hostages. Television pictures have shown smoke rising from the complex. It's still unclear exactly how many people are currently being held captive. Over 60 people have been killed and several dozen wounded since the attack began on Saturday. The security forces say their top priority is to rescue the hostages. Al-Shabab says it carried out the attack in response to Kenyan military operations in Somalia.

80 killed in Pakistan church attack

Around 80 people have been killed in a double suicide bomb attack on a church in Pakistan. It's been described as one of the worst attacks on the country's Christian minority. Militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for the assault which happened as worshippers were attending mass at a church in the city of Peshawar.

Cambodia’s opposition boycotts parliament

In Cambodia, the opposition have boycotted the opening of parliament. There's been political deadlock since disputed elections were held in July. The Cambodia National Rescue Party has accused the ruling People's Party of election fraud and they're calling for an independent investigation.

25 killed in typhoon in China

A powerful typhoon has killed at least 25 people in southern China. Winds of up to 180 kilometres per hour were recorded in some areas of Guangdong province. Some rail services have been suspended and hundreds of flights in the region have been cancelled.

The weather

This afternoon's weather outlook - sunny in much of the country but there's cloud about in the region between the Flachgau and Burgenland which might see the odd light shower. There’ll be a strong wind and highs are ranging between 15 and 23 degrees - in the west and south up to 26.

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