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- 3 - 2 - 1 - It's time to learn more about Germany’s new coalition agreement
3 - 2 - 1 - It's time to learn more about Germany’s new coalition agreement
See who is running what and what's new
Arlene Texeira
April 10, 2025
Servus an Alle!
Welcome back to the Munich Post! The purpose of this newsletter is to share: 3 bits of news, 2 upcoming events, and 1 amazing restaurant/café for expats living in and around Munich. This way, you have a pulse on what’s going on without scrolling through thousands of pages.
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Here’s our weekly roundup:
Easter holidays kick off Monday, April 14 and with public holidays landing on April 18 (Good Friday) and April 21 (Easter Monday), we’ve got a long cozy weekend on our hands, and will need to stock up on groceries.
Also, Bauma (the world’s biggest trade fair for construction and mining machinery) is still running through Sunday, April 13 at Messe München.
3 bits of news
Germany new coalition announced
Germany’s next government has officially taken shape. After 45 days of negotiations, the CDU, CSU and SPD have agreed on a coalition deal titled “Responsibility for Germany.”
The agreement sets the stage for big shifts especially in taxes, pensions, and energy prices.
What does this mean for daily life?
Lower energy bills, faster planning approvals, and tax perks like a drop in corporate taxes starting 2028. Working folks could also benefit from tax-free overtime and a new “active pension” plan.
Who gets what?
The deal also outlines which party gets control of key government departments:
• the CDU grabs the Chancellor position, plus Health, Economy, Traffic and Digitalization
• the SPD takes Defense, Justice, Climate and Housing
• and the CSU scores portfolios like Agriculture, Research and Space
A major focus for this coalition is boosting competitiveness and getting money flowing again. It also plans to scrap the “turbo naturalisation” rule that allowed migrants to gain citizenship after three years, but it will keep the broader citizenship reforms from the previous government.
Caveat: Not everything about this news is amazing, especially for us expats. However, you should definitely check the English version and form your own opinion.
Not just a Skatepark
If you’ve ever wished Munich has a space that mixes skateboarding, BMX, art and community, say hello to CASA. Opened on April 3 in Pasing, this new action sports center is more than just ramps and rails.
It’s a full-blown cultural hub inside a renovated factory.
Built by and for the scene, CASA stands for Centre for Applied Skateboard Arts. Think street-style park, trick video nights, open sessions from €5, and collabs with local schools.
What to expect at CASA:
1,000m² indoor skate & BMX park
Courses for all levels
Lounge + roof terrace
Art by local creatives
Events, concerts & screenings
Outdoor area coming this summer
Find more information here (in German). Plus, check this link on Instagram for a preview.
New rules for ID photos
If you’re planning to renew your passport or ID in Germany, heads up - printed photos are on the way out. Starting May 1, digital photos will become the standard at Bürgerämter across the country.
That means no more bringing your little photo strip unless you’re in one of the few exception cases.
The reason?
Less paperwork, more security.
You can take the photo directly at the office or have a certified studio send it through a secure channel. Just make sure your face is centered, neutral, and well-lit. No funky filters or hats allowed unless it’s for religious reasons.
Now, this is Germany. Not every Bürgeramt is ready for the change. Some still don’t have the tech in place, especially in smaller towns. So if you’ve got an old-school printed picture that checks the biometric boxes, you can still use it until July 31, 2025.
Bonus tip: If your Bürgeramt has an on-site photo booth but you’re handing in a printed photo, they can’t charge you the €6 fee. Also, from May, you’ll be able to get your new ID delivered by post.
Find more information here (in German).
BONUS:
In Partnership with Feather
It is our desire to bring our readers the best information about Munich — at zero cost to you. In keeping with this theme, we thank our partners for today’s newsletter. By just clicking the link below, you’ll support The Munich Post
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2 upcoming events
See inside the human body
Ever wonder what you look like on the inside?
Here’s your chance to find out without an X-ray.
Body Worlds – The Rhythm of Life opens in Munich starting Friday, April 11, at the Kleine Olympiahalle. This new exhibition by Dr. Gunther von Hagens and Dr. Angelina Whalley isn’t just about science, it’s about how amazing (and delicate) our bodies really are.
The exhibit features real human specimens preserved through a process called plastination. You’ll see how the body handles health, stress, and everything in between.
Open daily from 10am to 6pm, the exhibition offers audio tours in English and German and is fully accessible. Got a student ID? Mondays are your lucky day—two students get in for the price of one.
Tickets are booked in time slots, so it’s smart to reserve ahead online. And since the exhibition is pretty popular, it might be worth locking in your time early, especially if you’re coming on a weekend or holiday.
Find more information here (in English).
General information:
📍 Kleine Olympiahalle, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, 80809 München
🗓️ Monday - Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday - Sunday + public holidays 10am–6pm (last entry 5pm)
💶 Starting at €19
Art, wine, and late nights
Clear your calendar for May 1–4, because ARTMUC is back and taking over the north side of Munich with a fresh wave of contemporary art.
This isn’t just a quiet stroll through a gallery, it’s a four-day creative takeover with artists from around the world, a stylish location, and yes, even a late-night opening.
The spring edition takes place at MTC Locations on Ingolstädter Straße. Expect a mix of paintings, installations, photography, and more.
Each day brings a different energy: from Thursday’s grand opening to Friday’s late-night edition (open till 10pm). And if you’re planning to visit more than once, grab a permanent ticket and come as often as you like.
Find more information here (in English).
General information:
📍 Ingolstädter Straße 45–47, 80807 München
🗓️ May 1–3, 2025
⏰ May 1 (12 Noon – 7pm), May 2 (5–10pm), May 3 (11am–7pm), May 4 (11am–6pm)
💶 Tickets: €16 (under 16 free)
BONUS
Open Air Event (Spring rave) - April 12
We’d like to thank our second sponsor
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1 new restaurant/café to try
Macau Dim Sum
If your dinner routine needs a serious flavor upgrade, it’s time you pulled up a chair at Macau Dim Sum Bar.
Right on Leopoldstraße, this family-run gem is making waves for its handmade dumplings, homey vibes, and a menu that feels both familiar and exciting.
The stars of the show? Soup dumplings with pho broth (yep, you read that right), juicy potstickers and spicy Szechuan bites that somehow still feel light.
Add in truffle-buttered edamame, a mango-papaya-beef salad, and a team that greets you like an old friend, and you’ve got yourself a dinner plan.
With everything made in-house, yes, even the mochi—you’ll want to come hungry and probably make a reservation (this place fills up fast).
General information:
📍 Leopoldstraße 71, 80802 München
🥘 Dim Sum
⏰ Monday - Thursday, Sunday, 5pm–11pm
Friday - Saturday, 5pm–12 Midnight
Meme of the week 😂
We’d like to thank our third sponsor.
Sponsored but a genuine recommendation.
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