Daily Bulletin | 26.03.2017, 18:30 UTC

If you cannot view this message correctly, please click here.

Daily Bulletin 26.03.2017 | 18:30 UTC News Saarland state vote starts Germany's 'super election year' Exit polls from the state elections in Saarland show the CDU ahead with a clear lead over the SPD. The vote is the first in a series leading up to federal elections in September. Saarland vote tests German parties Difficult days for the AfD The 'Schulz effect' - A change of fortune for the SPD 10 things you need to know about the AfD Merkel gets early election test with Saarland state poll Raqqa residents evacuate as 'IS'-controlled dam risks collapse Fighters with the 'Islamic State' (IS) group have reportedly ordered Raqqa residents to evacuate the city following reports that a Euphrates River dam could collapse. The group alleges that US air strikes had damaged it. Syrian militias cut road to 'IS' stronghold Raqqa US-led coalition vows to crush 'Islamic State' US backs Kurdish-led offensive to liberate Raqqa Airstrikes cut water supplies in Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa Bulgaria center-right Prime Minister Boyko Borisov set for return to power Exit polls indicate that Bulgarians have backed two-time premier Boyko Borisov in a snap election. With newcomer populist groups also claiming seats, Borisov must form a stable coalition from a fragmented legislature. 'There's a pro-European mood in Bulgaria' Police remove barricades at Turkish-Bulgarian border Bulgarian president appoints interim prime minister, calls for early elections Russian police detain dozens of protesters, including Alexei Navalny Anti-corruption protests have been held across dozens of cities in Russia, leading to many arrests. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was detained as he walked with supporters in Moscow. Rallies in Russia: Opposition leader Navalny arrested Navalny insists will run in Russian election Navalny: 'My name will be on the ballot' Russian court finds Alexei Navalny guilty in embezzlement case Russian opposition politician Navalny links PM Medvedev to billion euro property empire Politics Merkel's challenger Martin Schulz lays out vision for chancellery The ex-European Parliament president has vowed to tackle gender pay gaps, calling them one of the greatest injustices. He further discussed defense spending, executive pay and tax cuts in a German newspaper interview. Schulz vs. Merkel - what are the odds? The 'Schulz effect': Change of fortune for the SPD SPD head: Schulz enjoys 'enormous support' German SPD dismisses nepotism accusations against Schulz Sports Schürrle double helps Germany get the job done in Azerbaijan Germany kept their perfect record in qualifying intact as they beat Azerbaijan 4-1 in Baku. Andre Schürrle, Thomas Müller and Mario Gomez all found the net for the world champions. Werner becomes latest addition to Löw's lengthy injury list Neuer pulls out of Germany squad, Trapp called up Retiring Podolski's thunderbolt sinks England in Dortmund friendly Germany's Oliver Bierhoff fears oversaturation in football Thousands of seats remained empty when Germany faced England in Dortmund. Germany's national team manager, Oliver Bierhoff, thinks too much football is having a negative effect on the game. Retiring Podolski's thunderbolt sinks England in Dortmund friendly Germany beat Finland 2-0 in emotional Schweinsteiger swansong Thomas Hitzlsperger: Lack of role models holding back gay footballers Germany coach Joachim Löw speaks out against World Cup expansion plans UEFA outline Nations League format Formula One: Vettel stuns Hamilton to win season-opening Australian Grand Prix Germany's Sebastian Vettel produced a scintillating drive in his Ferrari to win the first race of the new Formula One season. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was on pole but couldn't live with Vettel in a thrilling race. What you need to know about F1 in 2017 Liberty Media takeover casts shadow over F1 new dawn Paddy Lowe joins Williams as technical director Hamilton dominates Australian Grand Prix practice sessions Formula One: Vettel wins Singapore GP, Hamilton retires Culture Massive German-built cruise ship 'Norwegian Joy' leaves port The world's fourth-biggest cruise ship will cater exclusively for Chinese tourists. It leaves its German birthplace to sail to the north sea for testing. Apprentices at the Meyer shipyard Travel trends for 2017: City - Sand - Sea Hoping for a fresh sea breeze aboard a cruise ship? Better hold your nose! China to spend a fortune on tourism The growing cruise industry Germany German police predicted Berlin terror attack nine months prior Months before Anis Amri rammed a truck into a crowded market, police warned he was planning an attack. Authorities ignored their calls for his deportation, saying such a move was legally impossible. 'We can't guarantee 100 percent security' Stricter deportation rules draw criticism German state parliament hears testimony over Amri Germany releases details of initial forensic report on Berlin attack Anis Amri: a well-trodden trail of jihad Report: Multiple prosecutions against Berlin attacker Amri, no intervention   © Deutsche Welle 2017