Herbert Reul

North Rhine-Westphalia's interior minister, Herbert Reul, has publicly acknowledged health problems following an operation. In a rare candid admission, the long-serving minister spoke openly about his recovery, drawing attention because politicians seldom discuss personal health matters so frankly. Commenters and media in Germany are discussing what this means for his continued role in state politics and his capacity to lead one of the country's largest interior portfolios.

North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul is battling speech problems following an operation, according to Bild reporting. The longtime CDU politician's health condition is drawing attention, as he is one of the state's most prominent figures and plays a central role in security policy in Germany's most populous state.

Japan has extradited to Germany a Russian national suspected of a leading role in the Qilin hacking group. North Rhine-Westphalia interior minister Herbert Reul said the 28-year-old, identified as Vladimir K., was transferred after German investigators secretly surveilled him for several months. The case highlights growing international cooperation against ransomware gangs.