NEWS FROM BERLIN

“The mullahs must go”

Tens of thousands took to the streets in Berlin last Saturday in solidarity with the protests in Iran. The roads towards Berlin’s Siegessäule were full before the official start of the Iran Freedom Rally at 3pm. Dozens of coaches are parked on the Straße des 17. Juni; Iranian exiles from all over Europe responded to the call for a demonstration. The protest was announced by the transnational collective Women*_Life_Freedom. Many participants carried Kurdish flags, too. Hamed Esmaeilion, an Iranian-Canadian activist, spoke to great cheers. The wording of his emotional speech was reminiscent of Martin Luther King’s famous “I have a dream” speech. Source: nd

Berlin Police raid chat group

The Berlin police launched a major raid against members of a Telegram chat group. According to the report, the reason was messages which included violent fantasies against politicians and comparisons between Corona politics and the Holocaust. Four Berlin men aged 41 to 57 and a 66-year-old woman are being investigated. They are accused of incitement of the people, use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations, public incitement to commit crimes and depiction of violence. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops were confiscated during the raid, and several violations of the Weapons Act were also found. Source: rbb

NEWS FROM GERMANY

Pension justice for Eastern Germans

More than 30 years after the annexation of the GDR, the East is still left behind. The traffic-light coalition is doing nothing for pensioners in East Germany who have been fighting for more than 30 years for recognition of their life’s work. It is shameful that the coalition is obviously relying on a biological solution to save funds, so Christian Lindner also gets the “debt brake”. The previous federal government had already promised to pay at least partial compensation to pensioners whose entitlements were not taken into account in the pension transition. The “Ampel” coalition wanted to finally implement this plan, but funds were not available in 2022. Source: jW

Boris Palmer: risk and opportunity

Boris Palmer (“die Grünen”) is generally regarded as a controversial figure, but in Tübingen the situation is clear: Palmer has won the mayoral election, for the third time in a row. He won because, from the majority’s point of view, he is a very good mayor. He has brought the city forward economically and ecologically. But Palmer´s victory can be also considered complicated for his party due to some of his statements such as those concerning refugees. Given the whole figure, Palmer’s victory is both an opportunity and a risk for the party. Source: Süddeutsche

Blackout 2022 in Germany

Since the Ukraine war started, the energy supply in Germany (and ultimately in the EU) has been in danger. In the worst-case scenario, a blackout is imminent in 2022. In Bremen, the police, fire brigade and disaster control are preparing themselves against this. For instance, emergency power and digital radio ensure that work can function smoothly. Using digital radio, the crisis teams will be able to communicate with each other independently of the telephone network and electricity. Clinics are also equipped with emergency power generators. Furthermore, the Bremen fire brigade is on standby and can help with additional generators. Source: kreiszeitung

Corona variant BQ.1.1 in Germany

The so-called “hellhound” has arrived in Germany. The new Corona variant BQ.1.1 seems to live up to its nickname. Experts are increasingly concerned about the variant which currently rapidly circulating. It may make sense to already consider a fifth Corona vaccination against the virus. In Germany, 15 per cent of the sequenced Corona samples currently come from BQ.1.1, according to Moritz Gerstung, professor at the University of Heidelberg. The data is not particularly robust, however, as sequencing is rather rare in Germany compared to the rest of the world. This means the number could be much higher. Source; kreiszeitung

Brandenburg extends infection protection ordinance

The state of Brandenburg is extending the current infection protection regulation against the Corona virus until 24 November. This was announced by the Potsdam Ministry of Health, Ursula Nonnenmacher (“die Grünen”). This means, for example, that the obligation to wear a mask in public transport, hospitals, and for patients in doctors’ offices will remain in force. Patients will also be required to take a test. In Brandenburg, the Corona traffic light has been red since 6 October. Nonnemacher said the cabinet has agreed on discussing further protective measures when necessary. Source: rbb

Germany faces recession

After the economic forecast dropped again in October, the Munich-based research institute “Ifo” points out the business community expects a negative business trend in the future. According to its index, the retail sector, for example, is afraid of losing more customers due to high inflation. The concern is justified. Due to the recent high inflation of ten per cent, consumer behavior is at its lowest level in 16 years, according to a survey published on Tuesday by the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV). According to the survey, 65 percent of the interviewees are already saving on everyday expenses. Source; jW

Legalize… maybe in 2024

The Federal Cabinet has agreed on key points for the planned legalization of cannabis. According to a plan, presented by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), the purchase and possession of cannabis is to be permitted within limits. However, a concrete bill will only be drafted when it becomes clear that the EU has no legal objections to the release of cannabis – which is by no means certain. Also, Bavaria reiterated its criticism of the plans of the “traffic-light” coalition. Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) fears, among other issues, of a “drug tourism to Germany.” Source: Süddeutsche

NEWS FROM BERLIN

Trial of Berlin neo-Nazi for knife attack

The man considered by the authorities to be one of Berlin’s most dangerous right-wing extremists apparently considers himself to be more of a failure. “I may be a so-called right-winger, but I realized between 1933 and 1945 I would have ended up in a concentration camp,” stated Maurice P. Among other issues, he allegedly rammed a cutter knife into the neck of a Jamaican man. He also plays a role in another trial against neo-Nazis: Tilo P. is said to have told him they wanted to “pin something on him now because of the other things.” The authorities are sure “the other things” mean right-wing arson attacks. Source: Tagesspiegel

Judge considers “Last Generation” to behave undemocratically

On 4 February 2022, the “Last Generation” announced and carried out motorway blockades in Berlin. Medical student Johann O. (21) was one of the twelve demonstrators there. The judge of department 424 of the Tiergarten district court mentioned the student behaved in an “absolutely anti-democratic way”. This was based on a fundamental right of the motorists to continue moving. He sentenced the confessed 21-year-old to a fine of 30 daily fines of 20 euros each for coercing motorists in traffic jams. “I take their concern seriously, but I disapprove of their means,” the presiding judge said. Source: rbb

Racism in uniform

Abubacarr F. was walking through Görlitzer Park on a June day. Suddenly he was stopped by police officers and asked for his identity papers. F. asked why only he was being checked and not the others. But he knew already the answer: he is black. It has been proven everything that happened after F.’s check was unlawful: his papers were confiscated, he was taken to the police station for identification, accused of dealing with drugs and charges were filed against him. His lawyer accuses not only the police, but also the public prosecutor’s office and the judge who signed the penalty order and thus convicted him innocently. Source: taz

NEWS FROM GERMANY

Bonn: the Greens want two nuclear power plants in operation

For weeks, Jürgen Trittin (“die Grünen”) railed against any lifetime extension beyond 31 December, the official date of the nuclear phase-out. However, he was at the Green Party conference in Bonn, promoting the federal executive’s motion to allow the two nuclear power plants in southern Germany to continue running until 15 April if there is a risk to grid stability. Karl-Wilhelm Koch from the Vulkaneifel, a notorious proposer who is part of the inventory of Green party conferences, does not trust the matter. “Exit from exit, not again,” he cried. “Now it’s 15.4, who guarantees us that date?” Source: faz

Over a few fries

It was Nelson Mbugu’s last delivery in last September, at a regional office of Johanniter Unfall-Hilfe, in Brandemburg. He got no tips, but a fracture in his left arm. Such a sad story can be seen about a St John employee who apparently snapped because his fries were missing, but it is also about how questionable the aid organisation acts. The accused is even considered a role model in an institution which has shown little interest in clarifying the attitude of one of its employees in Cologne, who have entered the birthdays of Nazi celebrities in a calendar at a police station. Source: taz

Why do so many take the streets in the East?

Every Monday, thousands in eastern Germany take the streets, in order to demonstrate against the current government policies. Many questions arise from this. For instance, are these protests an expression of genuine existential concern in the face of inflationary prices and economic uncertainty? Or is something slipping fundamentally when, according to the current Unity Report, disenchantment with politics is growing in the east of the country and the AfD is growing stronger in the east? And, last but not least, what would help to win back trust, especially in the old “DDR”? Source: rbb

Germans have money worries

Fear of rising living costs (67 percent) is by far the number one worry in the annual survey “The Fears of Germans”. But the study from R+V Insurance also shows surprising results. According to that, fear of unaffordable housing comes in second place. Fifty-eight per cent of those surveyed had this concern. It is followed by fears of a worsening economic situation (57 percent agree), tax increases or benefit cuts due to the Corona pandemic (52 percent) and the costs for taxpayers due to the EU debt crisis (51 percent). It is the 31st edition of such survey in the country. Source: dw

Germany puts brakes on EU gas price cap

In France, currently, it is anything but easy to get fuel in some areas because of strikes. Last Sunday, more than 100,000 people protested in Paris “against the expensive life and climate policy inaction.” France is protesting, even though inflation is still at an official 6.2 per cent – far below the average of ten per cent estimated for the Eurozone in September. However, although the state cushion prices there in the coming year, energy will also become much more expensive for its neighbors, as neither presidential nor parliamentary elections are scheduled. Therefore, the EU is trying to find a pan-European solution to the skyrocketing energy prices. Source: heise

German 9-euro ticket successor in 2023

The German 9-euro ticket will have a successor: a country-wide ticket called the “Deutschlandticket.” Minister of transport Volker Wissing (FDP) considers its launch to be “the biggest reform ever for public transport in Germany”. Already known as the “49-euro ticket,” it will be one possible offer, meaning that the pricing might change or that multiple options would be available. In contrast to the Summer 9-euro ticket, the new ticket will be offered paperless. “The aim is now to introduce the ticket as quickly as possible – if possible by the turn of the year”, added Wissing. Source: railtech

NEWS FROM BERLIN

Angela Davis pays tribute to women in protest movements

US civil rights activist Angela Davis paid tribute in Berlin to the role of women in protests around the world. “This is certainly cause for hope,” Davis said at a rally at Oranienplatz, also referring to the current demonstrations in Iran. She spoke about protest movements, and the fight for freedom and against racism. She accused Germany of “colonial amnesia” and denounced the fact that black people hear sentences like: “How did you learn German so well?” Davis (78) is considered an icon of the left scene. In 2020, there was an exhibition about her in Dresden. Source: Zeit

Man dies 3 weeks after a police operation in Berlin

A 64-year-old man collapsed during a police operation in Berlin – three weeks later, he died in hospital. In a press release issued on Thursday evening, the Berlin victim counselling centre Reachout accuses the police of using “massive brutal force” during the operation and of being responsible for the death; it also speaks of racism. The police are investigating the officers involved. The man’s body is to be autopsied. The investigation is being conducted by the police department for civil servant offences. The police did not report the incident until about a week after it had happened. The reason given was an “office error”. Source: morgenpost

Traffic blockades by climate protesters largely dispersed

Activists of the environmental group “Last Generation” blocked Berlin’s rush-hour traffic again last Tuesday morning. Further protests are expected in the coming days. The activists had previously obstructed traffic for several hours on several main arteries. Dozens of protesters were involved. The A100 motorway was particularly affected, including the Spandauer Damm and Messedamm junctions as well as the exit to the A115 Avus. As well as a quick return to the nine-euro-ticket, one of the most overdue safety measures in the acute situation of climate emergency is a 100 km/h speed limit on German motorways, said press spokesperson Aimee van Baalen. Source: rbb

NEWS FROM GERMANY

Rape culture at Oktoberfest

More than 50 reported sexual offences at the Oktoberfest, including the rape of a woman in a beer tent toilet. This is evidence of a so-called “rape culture”. Rape culture stands for the dull feeling that rape is something like a force of nature. An external catastrophe that can no more be avoided than a hurricane. One can at least prepare oneself a little for hurricanes. At the Oktoberfest, this seems to be more difficult – although there is a prevention project, the “Sichere Wiesn” initiative, which offers victims advice and help. However, the focus here is on potential victims, not with those who perpetrate rape and sexualised violence. Source: deutschlandfunkkultur

Cottbus, we have a problem

Cottbus has just avoided nationwide attention for being Germany’s first major city with an AfD major. So now take a breath, shake off the tension and get back to business as usual? It is better to stay alert. The AfD got about a third of Cottbus residents to vote for their candidate. This is a candidate who wants to solve the housing problem by deporting 400 foreigners, among other issues. The current Germany Monitor points out that only 39 percent of East Germans are satisfied with democracy. Only one in three believes that politicians care about the country’s well-being. Something is breaking away in its municipalities. Source: rbb

Nearly 14 million people in Germany threatened with poverty

Although Germany is one of the richest countries in the world, 13.8 million people are threatened or directly affected by poverty. This is the conclusion of the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband in its current poverty report. The Federal Government also states in its Poverty and Wealth Report 2022 that there is a growing gap between rich and poor. In the country, considering figures, it is considered poor singles who have less than 1,148 euros per month. For single parents with one small child it is 1,492 euros, and for a couple household with two small children 2,410 euros. Source: dw

“Starting small”: a pastor fights poverty in Cologne

In the basement of his church, Pastor Franz Meurer shows how poverty can be fought in a rich country – without politics, but with the help of donations and volunteers. He has built a kind of factory on the almost 1000 square meters of church basement of St. Theodor in Vingst, a factory to fight poverty. With hundreds of helpers, he collects donations, distributes food and clothes, has tutoring, repairs bicycles, organizes the largest holiday camp in the city. The Pastor also says he is not interested in discussing poverty. He says it is more important to start small, where you can make a difference yourself. Source: dw

NEWS FROM BERLIN

Gas shortage: Berlin Bäderbetriebe’s saunas remain cold

The saunas of the “Berliner Bäderbetriebe” will remain closed this autumn. “This is the Bäderbetriebe’s reaction to the impending gas shortage and the requirement to save as much fossil energy as possible,” said its spokeswoman Claudia Blankennagel. Customers are asked for their understanding. Already in Spring, the Berliner Bäderbetriebe took first measures to reduce the energy demand. Initially, the water in the summer pools was only heated to 24 degrees. In the indoor pools, the water temperature has been 26 degrees since opening in August/September. Exceptions to this are therapy pools, where it is warmer. Source: Berliner Zeitung

Criticism on repeating elections in Berlin

Because of numerous electoral glitches, the coalition government wants to have the Bundestag elections repeated in about 300 of the nearly 2,300 polling stations in Berlin. The chairperson of the Bundestag’s electoral review committee, Daniela Ludwig (CSU), criticized the proposal of the traffic light coalition to have the Bundestag election in Berlin repeated in only 300 polling stations. “We actually parted company in the summer with the proposal by the traffic light coalition to have over 400 polling stations repeated. Now this will be reduced further,” mentioned Ludwig. Source: rbb

Senator of Justice: Berlin’s neutrality law discriminates against Muslims

The Berlin Senate wants to take stronger action against anti-Muslim racism. It is a matter of recognizing and eliminating the “structural discrimination” against Muslims, explained Justice Senator Lena Kreck (“die Linke”) in the House of Representatives. “An important step towards this is the abolition of the neutrality law.” Berlin’s neutrality law largely prohibits the wearing of religious symbols in parts of the public service, especially in the police, judicial service and education. It is the most far-reaching regulation in this area in Germany. In 2020, the Federal Labour Court declared the blanket headscarf ban for Muslim teachers unconstitutional. Source: islamiq

NEWS FROM GERMANY

Germany sends arms to Saudi Arabia

The German government has approved arms exports to Saudi Arabia – despite Riyadh’s war in Yemen. The decision is said to have been made shortly before Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) travelled to the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and to the United Arab Emirates. The two leading members of the war coalition against Yemen are receiving arms worth a total of 37.4 million euros from Germany. Although Angela Merkel’s cabinet officially stopped all arms exports to Saudi Arabia in 2018 after the murder of exiled journalist Jamal Kashoggi, exceptions for European joint projects were made from the beginning. Source: jW

Inflation in Germany at highest level in 70 years

Following the abolition of the nine-euro ticket and the petrol discount, consumer prices in Germany rose massively in September. Inflation in Germany has jumped to its highest level in about 70 years. Driven by rising energy and food prices, consumer prices increased by 10.0 per cent in September compared to the same month last year, the Federal Statistical Office announced in a first estimate. According to a survey by the German Retail Association (HDE), 60 percent of consumers are already cutting back on shopping, and, as many as 76 per cent of respondents are preparing to shop more sparingly in the coming months. Source: DW

Reunification anniversary – Protest instead of party

The anniversary of the annexation of the GDR to the FRG has always aimed at countering social division with a black-red-gold celebration. But some people just don’t want to be in a jubilant mood. “We don’t feel like celebrating, we feel like protesting,” said Uwe Hiksch of the Naturefriends Germany. He was one of the organisers of the demonstration “Heating, Bread and Peace – Protest instead of Freezing!”, which marched through Berlin on 3 October. Meanwhile, a look at the statistics is enlightening: after 45 years of contributions, pensioners in the east received an average of 1,329 euros a month in 2021, while in western Germany it was 1,527 euros. Source: jW

Eurowings: pilots’ union calls strike for Thursday

The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit has called for a full-day strike at the airline Eurowings on Thursday. The VC announced the negotiations on the collective wage agreement at the Lufthansa subsidiary has failed. It was not initially known how many flights would be affected by the strike, but a spokesperson said the strike would affect the flight operations of Eurowings Germany, but not those of Eurowings Europe. A central demand is the relief of the employees, for example by reducing the maximum flight duty times and increasing the rest periods. Source: jW

Will there ever be a nine-euro successor ticket?

A successor for the nine-euro ticket remains vague. After a direct follow-up solution to the million-selling ticket failed at the end of August, the new planned start date of 1 January is now also in danger. It is still completely unclear what the ticket will cost and what it will achieve – but above all, who will pay for it: the “Länder” only want to agree to it and pay half of the total costs of three billion euros if the federal government also increases its local transport funds substantially. Meanwhile, city states like Berlin and Bremen are presenting new local transport tickets. Source; Süddeutsche

NEWS FROM BERLIN

Left wants “electricity shield” for municipal utility customers

Berlin’s Left Party (“die Linke”) has many ideas on how people could be relieved of high costs. In the debate about relief in the face of exorbitantly high energy prices, the party has put a new proposal on the table: it calls for an “electricity shield” for customers of public utilities. Around 40,000 people now get their green electricity from Berlin’s public utilities, said Left Party leader Anne Helm at a state party conference. If there is a possibility to at least create an “electricity umbrella” for that group, this should be used, Helm said. Source: rbb

Berlin might repeat election

The Berlin Constitutional Court began its hearings on appeals against the elections to the House of Representatives a year ago. According to a preliminary assessment, it is considering a complete rerun of the elections for the Berlin House of Representatives as well as the district councils to be necessary. According to the court, the preparation of the election has probably not met the legal requirements. The state election administration organized the election in such a way that every eligible voter had the opportunity to cast a complete and valid vote under reasonable conditions on election day. In last year’s election, however, the number of options available was probably not sufficient. Source: rbb

NEWS FROM GERMANY

Nord Stream pipelines: pressure drop

Following the drop in pressure in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, the German government is concerned that this could be a targeted attack. The Danish navy said that there were indications of sabotage. Also, a leak in Nord Stream 2 was discovered on Monday by Danish F-16 fighter jets. According to the Danish Energy Agency, ships can lose propulsion when they enter the area. There is also a possible risk of ignition. Lastly, there has also been a climate hazard risk in the escaping methane. However, the composition of the gas in the Nord Stream pipes is not known. Source: Spiegel

Russian deserters – welcome or not in Germany?

Because of Putin’s mobilisation, conscientious objectors are fleeing abroad. Germany is open to welcome them. But the Ukrainian community is skeptical. Katerina Rietz-Rakul, who looks after Ukrainian fellows at the Humboldt Forum, cannot understand this. Giving asylum to Russian deserters is a clear political mistake. ” They had no problem with Russian politics until a few days ago, and now they have woken up. But it is not the West’s job to protect these people.” More than a million people from Ukraine are already registered in Germany, mostly women and children – many fled from Russian soldiers. Source: dw

Energy situation in retail: close the door, turn off the lights

Retailers’ energy costs have risen by 150 percent since the beginning of the year. The industry now relies on energy-saving measures to get through the Winter, and is considering shortening opening hours. Illuminated outdoor advertising must now be switched off between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and shop doors may no longer be permanently open. Carina Peretzke from the North Rhine-Westphalia Trade Association is particularly critical of closed entrance doors: “If the door is closed, fewer customers come in.” To continue to lure people into the shops, the climate offensive of the HDE has launched the poster campaign “Door closed, shop open.” Source: dw

Germany to return Benin statues to Nigeria

Germany is set to return hundreds of bronze busts from the Kingdom of Benin to Nigeria. More than 400 statues and a myriad of other artefacts are currently on display at the Ethnological Museum of Berlin. Such collection is one of the largest in the world. Apparently, only the British Museum has more items. Now, the construction of a museum in Benin to house the pieces is being planned, and around a third of the artefacts will remain in Germany, for a loan period of 10 years; Forty of these will be on display, while the rest will be studied by researchers. Source: iamexpat

LKA and public prosecutor’s office search AfD party headquarters

The public prosecutor’s office and the police have been searching the AfD’s federal headquarters in many cities in Germany. Search warrants were executed at seven search locations in Berlin, Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia in two preliminary proceedings against former party leader Jörg Meuthen and former federal treasurer Klaus-Günther Fohrmann on suspicion of violating party law. According to the Berlin prosecutor’s office, there are facts to suggest the AfD made false statements in the accountability reports to the Bundestag in the years 2015 to 2018. Documents such as the confidential minutes of the meetings of the federal executive board are considered to be taken along. Source: rbb

Fire alarm system at Tesla does not work

The Tesla car factory in Grünheide (Oder-Spree) apparently does not have a functioning fire alarm system. It is also unclear so far why production was allowed to start in the factory without such safety device. It is also not known whether there was an official exemption for opening the factory despite the lack of fire alarm systems. Independently of this, Tesla must now re-sort its waste disposal on the site and clear out a previously 5,000 square meter storage area for waste. The responsible Ministry of the Interior of the State of Brandenburg has so far refused to make a statement. Source: rbb