NEWS FROM BERLIN
Rigaerstrasse 94 faces the end
For 34 years, Rigaer Straße 94 has defied the gentrification of Friedrichshain’s northern neighbourhood and the disintegration of the autonomous scene. Now, however, according to “taz”, a group of former residents who are still in possession of rental contracts have decided not to mount any further legal defence against the owner’s eviction proceedings. This would affect the majority of the flats in the side wing and rear building – the core of the radical left-wing project. The background to this is both legal risks in view of a new line taken by the Berlin courts and a dispute over the Middle East conflict, as well. Source: taz
Wegner promises Bürgerämter will offer walk-in appointments
The mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner (CDU), has promised that the citizens’ office (Bürgerämter) will offer appointment-free days, during which people can drop by without booking one. Since 2012, it is possible to visit the Bürgeramt – where citizens must go to get a registration certificate in the city or change their driving licence – only with an appointment. In recent years that has become much more difficult, due to the long waiting time for getting it. Opposing parties show concern about the administrative measures for such modernisation. The Left Party, among others, commented the new system would only lead to further chaos and stress for employees. Source: iamexpat
Potsdam decriminalises riding public transport without a ticket
The Potsdam Transport Service GmbH announced it will no longer file criminal charges against people caught riding public transport without a ticket on multiple occasions. It means passengers travelling on public transport in Potsdam still need a valid ticket and if they are caught without one can still face a fine, but not criminal proceedings. Such decision was taken after the Potsdam Left Party pushed to decriminalise “Schwarzfahren” (literally “riding black”), and it follows similar determinations taken recently in other cities such as Bremen, Cologne, Dresden and Halle, among others. In neighbouring Berlin, the Senate for Justice has already said the capital will not follow in Potsdam’s footsteps. Source: iamexpat
NEWS FROM GERMANY
Majority of Germans against military aid for Israel
Many people in Germany are against the Bundeswehr providing military assistance to Israel in its defence – for example with Eurofighters for drone defence. As shown by the latest ARD DeutschlandTrend. According to the survey, 68 percent of respondents do not think it would be right for Germany to provide Israel with military defence support. Oppositionally, 21 per cent came out in favour. The current DeutschlandTrend also asked whether Israel’s military reaction against the terrosit attacks commited by Hamas have gone too far to which 57 percent of those polled saying that is has. When asked if Israel’s military actions are justified if the Palestinian civilian population is also affected 68 per cent consider Israeli attacks unjustified. Source: br
Citizen’s income is too high for the FDP
Following the debate on tougher sanctions for those who refuse to work, the FDP has criticised the level of the citizen’s allowance for all recipients. Single recipients of citizen’s allowance currently receive 563 euros per month. Too much, says FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr. In view of the inflation trend, the citizen’s allowance is “currently 14 to 20 euros too high per month”, he said. The SPD reacted angrily to it’s governing partner’s latest comment. It thinks “absolutely nothing of constantly creating uncertainty with completely half-baked ideas far removed from reality”, said Martin Rosemann, the SPD parliamentary group’s labour market policy spokesman. Source: tagesschau
LGBTQ+ rights to constitution: German politicians split over it
The 3rd Article of the German constitution states: “No person shall be favored or disfavored because of gender, parentage, race, language, homeland and origin, faith or religious or political opinions.” To that, the German government wants to incorporate a protection for sexual identity. Any change to the constitution requires however a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and in the Bundesrat. Support from other parties such as the conservative CSU and CDU are essential, since the traffic-light coalition does not hold the needed seats for it. Source: dw
Hamburg-Berlin train line to be closed for months
The Hamburg-Berlin railway line connects the two largest cities in Germany. Due to its poor condition, a month-long refurbishment is imminent – the first of two. The construction work is scheduled to last from this Friday until the timetable change on 14 December. This will result in considerable restrictions on long-distance and regional services for around four months. “Among other things, more than 74 kilometres of track and 100 points between Wittenberge and Ludwigslust as well as between Hamburg and Büchen and around Hagenow Land will be renewed,” the Deutsche Bahn announced. Long-distance trains will be diverted westwards via Stendal, Salzwedel, Uelzen and Lüneburg. Source: n-tv
