Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Benjamin Antoine: 10 Life Lessons from 10+ Years Living in Germany

Feb 18, 2024 | These Lessons would have helped my younger self. Maybe they will help you...


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Sunday, February 11, 2024

How Germany Is Responding to the Far-right | DW News

Feb 11, 2024 | Hundreds of thousands have come out across Germany in recent days to protest the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The far-right populist party with a strong anti-immigration focus is enjoying record highs in opinion polls. Nationwide surveys show that about one in five Germans would vote for it, and the AfD is projected to come first in elections in three eastern states later this year. So how did Germany get here? And how is society responding?

Friday, February 02, 2024

Defiance in Germany: Can Mass Protests Stop the Far Right? | To The Point

Feb 1, 2024 | Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Germany. It’s the largest social movement in the country in decades. In cities and towns large and small, protestors have been demonstrating against the far right, to advocate for an open society and to protect their democracy. And yet, supporters of Germany’s biggest far-right party seem undaunted, with more people than ever joining the organization. How dangerous is the AfD? What is causing such anger within mainstream society? And how resilient is Germany’s democracy? On To the Point we ask: Defiance in Germany: Can mass protests stop the far right?

Saturday, January 27, 2024

German Mainstream Scramble to Thwart Rising Popularity of the Far Right | DW News

Jan 27, 2024 | The Alternative for Germany (AfD), which the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has partially classified as right-wing extremist, is enjoying record highs in opinion polls. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people have been taking to the streets to demonstrate against the anti-immigration party.

The German Bundestag is also debating how to deal with the AfD, with the three governing parliamentary factions — the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP)— submitting a motion on the issue. The topic: "Resilient democracy in a diverse country — a clear stand against the enemies of democracy and their plans of forced displacement."

The move was prompted by a media report about a meeting last fall of right-wing extremists, attended by AfD officials as well as members of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The gathering is said to have been about plans for the so-called remigration, or expulsion, of millions of people who have immigrated to Germany.

In the parliamentary debate, Bernd Baumann, the AfD's parliamentary secretary and chief whip in the German parliament, told lawmakers the meeting was no more than a "small, private debate club," but not a "secret meeting dangerous to the public."

But Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) called it "an active effort to shift borders and to spread contempt for democracy and misanthropy into the heart of society." Faeser said she could also imagine banning the party — but only as a last resort.


Friday, January 26, 2024

Germany Logs Uptick in Antisemitic Crimes amid Gaza Conflict | DW News

Jan 26, 2024 | Authorities in Germany have noted a sharp increase in crimes with antisemitic motives amid the conflict in Gaza. The government's commissioner tasked with combating antisemitism called the figure "shameful."


Oldest Holocaust survivor turns 112 amid rise in antisemitism: Rose Girone is the oldest member of a group that numbers 245,000, according to a new survey. »

Monday, January 22, 2024

Far-right AfD Leader Vows to Campaign for Brexit-style EU Exit Vote in Germany

THE GUARDIAN: Alice Weidel says UK departure is model for her country as party struggles with reaction to exposé about deportation ‘masterplan’

Alice Weidel sacked a senior aide over his attendance at the covert meeting that triggered nationwide protests. Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland has said her party will campaign for a Brexit-style vote on EU membership if it comes to power, calling the UK’s departure from the bloc a model for its largest member.

Alice Weidel told the Financial Times in an exclusive interview that the UK decision would be “dead right” for Germany, and that a “Dexit” would boost the country’s self-determination.

“It’s a model for Germany, that one can make a sovereign decision like that,” she said.

It was one of the party’s first public pronouncements since the beginning of a wave of nationwide protests against the AfD, triggered by revelations that leading members had attended a covert meeting at which a “masterplan” for mass deportations of foreigners and German passport holders was discussed, with a view to the party implementing the plans if it came to power. » | Kate Connolly in Berlin | Monday, January 22, 2024

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Why Is Germany’s Far-right AfD Party So Successful? | DW News

Jan 18, 2024 | Thousands turned out for a fourth night of protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany. The demonstrations were triggered by word that party members discussed a plan to deport millions of foreigners and Germans with a migration background.

Germany, Once a Powerhouse, Is at an Economic ‘Standstill’

THE NEW YORK TIMES: The economy shrank last year and is not predicted to grow much in 2024. Farmers are angry, industrial output is falling and the government is bickering.

Germany started the year with Berlin’s streets choked with tractors and farmers blaring horns in furious protest of proposed budget cuts. Then train engineers walked off the job to demand better pay, stranding commuters and carloads of freight and leaving the country angry and gridlocked.

The same could be said for the state of the German economy. Last year it contracted 0.3 percent, official figures showed this week, making it not only the largest economy but also the slowest growing among the 20 countries using the euro. Industrial production has fallen five months in a row.

“The economy is at a standstill in Germany,” said Siegfried Russwurm, the president of the Federation of German Industries. “We don’t see any chance of a rapid recovery in 2024.”

Since it was rebuilt after World War II, Germany has been Europe’s main driver of economic growth, becoming an industrial powerhouse known for vast factories and fine-tuned engineering.

But now its automakers must compete with relatively cheap electric cars from China, and it vies with the United States to attract tech giants. There is a growing realization that Germany has not been successful updating its industry with sufficient flexibility and digital know-how to remain competitive. » | Melissa Eddy, Reporting from Berlin | Thursday, January 18, 2024

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Olaf Scholz Condemns Far-Right Plan to Deport Millions of Immigrants

THE TELERAPH: German chancellor says proposal, which would also expel German citizens, was drawn up by ‘fanatics with assimilation fantasies’

Mr Scholz warned German security services would investigate anyone 'who opposes our free democratic order' CREDIT: CLEMENS BILAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Olaf Scholz has strongly condemned a secret meeting at a mansion outside Berlin where far-Right groups drew up plans for deporting millions of immigrants, including German citizens.

The plan, revealed by the German investigative group Correctiv, has sent shockwaves across Germany given its echoes of Nazi ideology, notably the expulsion of those of non-German ethnic origin.

Mr Scholz, the German chancellor, said in response to the plan: “We protect everyone – regardless of origin, skin colour or how uncomfortable someone is for fanatics with assimilation fantasies.”

He also warned that the German security services would investigate anyone “who opposes our free democratic order,” adding that “the fact we learn from our history is not just lip service”. » | James Rothwell, Berlin Correspondent | Thursday, January 11, 2024

Saturday, December 30, 2023

The Telegraph: “Britain to Outgrow Germany for Years to Come as Eurozone Growth Engine Stutters”

THE TELEGRAPH: High interest rates risk plunging Europe into recession while UK expected to rebound

UK growth will outpace Germany and the eurozone for years to come as the Continent faces a deeper recession caused by higher interest rates.

While both the German and UK economies shrank in the three months to September, putting both at risk of recession, analysts at UBS expect Britain to bounce back within a year.

That is unlike Europe’s largest economy. Berlin is already grappling with a budget crisis after Germany’s top court ruled that the government broke the law by using Covid cash to fund net zero spending.

House prices across the country have also suffered double-digit declines. » | Tim Wallace | Friday, December 29, 2023

If you believe this cr**, you’ll believe ANYTHING! There is no way that the weak UK economy is going to outgrow the much stronger German economy. The only way that this might be made to appear so is by the use of sophistry in statistics.

Diese Behauptung ist lächerlich! Die deutsche Wirtschaft in den kommenden Jahren wird mit geringem Aufwand schneller wachsen als die britische Wirtschaft. Die deutsche Wirtschaft wird in keiner Weise von Großbritannien entwachsen sein. Überhaupt nicht! Schön wäre es für uns Briten; aber dies wird nicht passieren. – © Mark Alexander

Michael Lambert: Disastrous Sunak Govt. Sniggers at German Recession

Dec 30, 2023 | The UK government is happy to tell us that the German economy is in recession. This week I visited Aachen in Germany to see how things really are. I found the city to be quite prosperous and operating normally. Following Brexit, the UK economy is struggling with far worse to come. Germany has also had problems, especially following Putin's invasion of Ukraine, but the economy is based upon manufacturing high quality engineering products and seems likely to rebound once the worldwide economy begins to pick up.

I spoke with many people in Aachen who all appeared relatively optimistic for the German economy and seemed somewhat bemused at Brexit.



Aachen looks far more prosperous to me than most British towns. As you say, we are lied to by our politicians on a daily basis. Fact is, they have screwed things up — BIG TIME — and they have no idea how to get us out of the hole they have dug for us. Like you, Michael, I wish we were more like Germany. Everything about Germany is generally better: it's more prosperous; it's cleaner; it's more efficient; people are generally better educated; and on the whole, its architecture is far more interesting and decorative. And much else besides. But two things grieve me greatly: under Thatcher, our manufacturing sector was decimated; and so much of what was valuable was sold off to foreigners, leaving us Brits with the dregs. All for short-term gain. Britain's decline, which started around the time of the First World War has continued apace ever since. Brexit, of course, has only accelerated the process. Britain is a shadow of its former self. – © Mark Alexander

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Inside the German Far Right Movement | ARTE.tv Documentary

Dec 28, 2023 | The German Reichsbürgerbewegung (Reich citizens movement) rejects the post-war democratic order and want to rip up the German constitution. Suspected of involvement in a 2022 coup d’état plot, the movement is growing. Who are its members? And why do they want to do away with democracy?

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Germany's 'Mr. Austerity' Wolfgang Schäuble Dies at 81 | DW News

Dec 27, 2023 | Former German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble has died. The CDU politician first entered the Bundestag in 1972. Between 1989 and 2017 Mr Schäuble served as minister for the Interior and Finance under Chancellors Helmut Kohl and Angela Merkel. As finance minister, he was known internationally for backing austerity measures on Germany and the rest of the EU during the Euro crisis in 2009 and 2010. He was left partially paralysed after an attack in 1990.

Monday, December 25, 2023

Steinmeier's Christmas Speech: 'The World Has Presented Its Dark Side' | DW News

Dec 25, 2023 | German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier focused on the need for courage and cooperation in the face of challenges in Germany and around the world in his annual Christmas address.

The German president emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong democracy, stating that that could only happen if people were engaged and if they worked to "ensure that what is not yet good today is better tomorrow."

Steinmeier acknowledged that the year has left many Germans concerned about "unresolved issues here in our country."

The speech included gratitude for police, firefighters, military personnel, health care workers and other institutions.

Looking forward to next year, Steinmeier noted that Germany's Basic Law is turning 75 and should be celebrated. Steinmeier said the constitution could guide the nation through challenging times.

Monday, December 18, 2023

Germany Changing Laws to Attract Migrant Labor | DW News

Dec 18, 2023 | Germany's ageing population and shrinking birth rate means it is increasingly looking to immigration to fill jobs. At the end of last year, 350-thousand people from non-EU countries were registered in Germany, seeking work. And the number of qualified migrants in the country is also on the rise.


Of course Germany has a problem with old people and having far too few young people to take up positions in industry and commerce. The West in general has. Germany has followed the rest of the West as sheep follow their shepherd. People are like sheep. Gregarious. Germans are no different.

The Zeitgeist has dictated that a woman’s place is in the marketplace; it isn’t! A woman’s place is in the home; in the home bringing up her children! How else is the West going to survive? A woman cannot be in the workplace and procreate at one and the same time. It’s impossible!

That’s why the West is in such a mess! That’s why the West is having to ‘import’ labour from foreign countries; labour which brings in alien culture and alien religious practices with them!

A mother’s place is in the home! Harsh though it sounds. But get over it! Come to terms with it! It’s the only way that the West can truly survive. It is already five minutes to midnight! Feminism has done so much damage to the West! More damage to the West than anything I can quickly think of. – © Mark Alexander

Monday, December 11, 2023

How to Make Glühwein: A Sip Through Time in a German Christmas Market

Dec 8, 2023 | Explore the rich history and aromatic evolution of Glühwein, the warm and spiced mulled wine that has become synonymous with German Christmas markets and festive celebrations. Join us on a journey through time as we uncover lesser-known facts and intriguing anecdotes about the origins of Glühwein, from its medieval roots to the present day. Discover the diverse ingredients that have shaped its flavor profile, including unique regional variations and modern twists. Whether you're a seasoned Glühwein enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our 5 to 10-minute video provides a delightful exploration of this timeless holiday beverage. Subscribe to FoodStorian for more captivating stories about the history and evolution of your favorite dishes.

Friday, November 24, 2023

The Night of Long Knives - Hitler's Rise to Power | Parts 1 & 2 | Free Documentary | History

Dec 16, 2022 | The Night of the Long Knives is considered the first act of horror committed by the Nazis. What happened in Germany, and in Hitler's rise to power, that led to this organized purge in 1934? Caught between the conservative tendency and the revolutionary aspirations dividing the country, the Chancellor had to choose a side. Hitler intended to send a clear message to calm the rumors of a military coup against him.



Es erstaunt mich immer wieder, daß das deutsche Volk, welches so hochintelligent und kultiviert war, dazumal von diesem Scheusal aufgenommen worden war. – © Mark Alexander

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Cocaine for Germany | DW Documentary

Nov 23, 2023 | Germany is flooded with cocaine. Since 2017, cocaine residue in Berlin's sewage has doubled. Since the pandemic, sales of cocaine across Germany have rocketed. The addictive potential of the drug is often underestimated and legal prohibitions do little to deter dealers or users.

This documentary sheds light on new international smuggling routes and methods that are causing ever greater problems for law enforcement agencies. One indication of the rising wave of cocaine: although the number of controls in Germany has stagnated, the amount seized has doubled in recent years. In early 2021, customs investigators in the port of Hamburg made the largest cocaine find in Germany and Europe to date: 16 tons. Where does the cocaine come from and who is profiting from its smuggling and sale?



I wish Rishi Sunak would watch this alarming documentary. All Sunak worries about is people enjoying a relatively harmless cigarette made of tobacco. The scourge of hard drugs like this is what I call problematic, not whether a person enjoys the occasional cigarette, or not. The man needs to get some perspective.

WARNING: Under no circumstances is this documentary suitable for children; unquestionably, it is suitable only for adults. – © Mark Alexander

German Police Carry Out Raids on Suspected Hamas and Samidoun Properties | DW News

Nov 23, 2023 | The German Interior Ministry on Thursday said police had conducted raids on properties in four federal states connected to suspected Hamas and Samidoun members. Germany, along with the US, the EU and others, has designated Hamas a terrorist organization. Samidoun describes itself as an international Palestinian prisoner solidarity group. Berlin had banned the activities of both organizations in early November.

Searches were carried out in Berlin, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein. A spokesperson for the Senate Interior Administration said that more than 300 police officers took part in the raids of 15 properties, 11 of them in Berlin. Seven searches concerned Hamas, and four Samidoun. Germany's Interior Ministry says that there are around 450 Hamas members in the country. According to German authorities, their activities include influencing political and social discourse in Germany and financing and fundraising to strengthen the organization. A week ago, authorities also conducted nationwide searches of 54 locations across seven federal states connected to the Islamic Center of Hamburg, suspected of supporting the militant group Hezbollah.



WIKIPEDIA: Samidoun »