Nation Runner

Cases

Sourced, in plain language.

One case a week, from the stories that are moving. What we can show, and what is still open.

How we check

This week · 006

Is Germany's tobacco tax hike already in force by mistake? On paper yes, at the till no

False: in force on paper since 21 October, but customs charges the old rates until 2027 and prices have not risen

The Bundestag passed a four-step tobacco tax increase on 15 October. The Bundesrat let it through on 16 October and it was published on 20 October.Confirmed910114

The law says it takes effect the day after publication, and its rate table has no line for late 2026. Read literally, the 2030 rates apply from 21 October.Confirmed4256

The finance ministry calls it a technical error that was already in its own draft. Customs keeps charging the old rates until the end of the year.Confirmed127132

Prices for smokers have not changed. The planned path is 8.77 euros for an average pack in 2027 and 11.36 euros in 2030, from 8.05 euros today.Confirmed361314

The ministry wants a fast correction under its rules of procedure. Law professors doubt that works and say a new law is needed. No correction has been published as of 27 October.Confirmed7156161718

Unclear for now: whether e-cigarette liquids are untaxed until January, as one professor argues.Unconfirmed1219

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What we're looking into

  • Prosecutors again seek death penalty for South Korea's ex-president Yoon

    In Yoon Suk Yeol's appeal trial over his 2024 martial law order, the special counsel again asked for the death penalty. A lower court gave him life in prison in February.Confirmed12

    Yoon gives his final statement on 5 November, then the court sets a date for the verdict. South Korea has not executed anyone since 1997.Confirmed21

  • Canada releases its first national security strategy in over 20 years

    Canada's new security plan puts protecting the economy and getting ready for anything, up to war, at the top. It is the first such strategy in more than two decades.Confirmed1

    It names no country as a threat and promises a clear-eyed relationship with the US. A separate foreign spy agency is still undecided.Confirmed1

  • High-speed train crash near Toledo kills 69 in Spain

    A Renfe high-speed train hit a stopped Iryo train in the province of Toledo. 69 people died, and Spain is holding three days of mourning.Confirmed12

    It is Spain's second deadly high-speed crash this year. Prime Minister Sánchez promised a full investigation, and the transport minister spoke of an error.Confirmed21

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    A case file on METR — who they are, who pays, who holds the tripwire

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Read the case

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