Transport Minister Aims to Link Bonus Payments to Railway Targets
Germany's new Federal Minister of Transport, Steffen Bilger, is increasing pressure on Deutsche Bahn's leadership. In response to the ongoing punctuality crisis plaguing the state-owned railway company and criticism over multi-million euro payments, the CDU politician announced in Bild am Sonntag that consequences would be applied to executive board salaries.
"It will directly affect the bonus payments of railway managers if the targets set by the federal government are not met. I believe that railway customers and taxpayers have a right to have success truly measured."
Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU)
The minister emphasized that while many railway employees are doing excellent work, unsatisfactory performance will impact compensation. The federal government is currently preparing a new financing agreement with the state-owned company, which will precisely outline the billions allocated for rail infrastructure. These funds will be linked to specific targets in the future.
Bilger considers achieving complete punctuality to be unrealistic for the foreseeable future. "100 percent will not be achievable in the foreseeable future," stated the CDU politician to the newspaper. The focus will be on long-distance transport. "It is currently agreed with the railway that by 2029, 70 percent of long-distance trains will be on time." In the first half of the year, approximately 60 percent of long-distance trains were punctual, with even fewer in the peak summer months.
Fresh materials — General News
Nations League: Klopp's Ballet Needs More Rehearsal
In a goalless draw against Greece, Klopp's team, featuring the same midfield trio of Wirtz, Pavlovic, and Bischof as in their 2-0 victory over Serbia, demonstrated continued good form but failed to score, despite an improvement from their previous encounter. The
Jonas Urbig: A Goalkeeper's Rise
Jonas Urbig's goalkeeping is drawing significant praise, with Jürgen Klopp noting his strong performance. His save from Masouras' header in the second minute of the match at Toumba Stadium was a notable feat. Urbig is making significant strides towards securing a starting position, mai
Unexpected Visit: Merz in Kyiv: "You Can Continue to Count on Our Help"
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) arrived in Kyiv early Sunday morning for an unannounced solidarity visit. The Ukrainian capital has been suffering from intensified Russian attacks for weeks. Moscow has pledged to continue these assaults with undiminished severity and reitera
Left Party Leader Pellmann Joins "Rote Hilfe"
Sören Pellmann, leader of the Left Party's parliamentary group, has joined the human rights organization "Rote Hilfe." This move comes in the context of ongoing discussions surrounding the party's direction and its affiliations, particularly following scrutiny of former member Eli
Germany vs. Serbia: Player Ratings - Pavlovic Dominates Midfield
Aleksandar Pavlovic, 22, is confidently filling his new role. Florian Wirtz demonstrated his world-class ability on two occasions. Only Nick Woltemade seemed eager to disappear. Here are the individual player ratings for the German national team against Serbia. By Martin Schneider Jo
Robert Habeck on the Arctic, Lessons from Government, and His Biggest Failure
Robert Habeck appears composed. Carrying a travel bag over his shoulder, he walks along the Rhine towards the SZ's Düsseldorf office. Spotting a yellow sticker on a railing, reminiscent of the anti-nuclear movement, he notices Ludwig Erhard's image in the center with the text: “Capita