NEWS FROM BERLIN
Self-Determination Act: hundreds of applications already received
Last April, the Bundestag passed the new Self-Determination law that would make the process of changing your name and gender easier. Before the new law was passed, more than 1,200 applications were received by Berlin’s registry offices, according to a survey by the Germany Press Agency. The easing of restrictions will primarily benefit transgender, intersex and non-binary individuals who previously had to go through a series of complicated and costly hurdles. From November onwards, only a declaration will be sufficient. An applicant’s gender can be changed to female, male, diverse, or otherwise erased. Source: theberliner
Berlin-Plänterwald: hundreds of new flats built for students
The state-owned housing association Howoge has announced a new residential project in Berlin-Plänterwald. The “StudentHouse” is to be located near Treptower Park. There are 280 fully furnished one-bedroom flats available on Eichbuschallee. The rent with all side costs ranges from 530 euros to 550 euros for flats with a balcony, including furnishings, operating and heating costs as well as electricity and internet. Half of the flats are barrier-free. In addition to the flats, there are also communal areas with green spaces, playgrounds and multifunctional outdoor areas. The sustainable concept includes extensive green roofs and complete rainwater infiltration on the site. Source: msn
“Linksunten”, once again
In 2017, the online platform Indymedia “Linksunten” was shut down after being banned by the Federal Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maizière (CDU). However, the judiciary continues to act against alleged supporters of the site. A few days ago, Berlin blogger and publicist Detlef Georgia Schulze received a fine of 900 euros. The public prosecutor’s office accuses her of publishing an archive of Indymedia “Linksunten” under a separate domain “Tachanka” at the beginning of 2020. When asked by “nd” why Schulze is being made responsible for this content, when she was already listed as a supporter under the previous ban, Lisa Jani, head of the press office of the Berlin chamber courts, gave no comment. Source: nd-aktuell
NEWS FROM GERMANY
Tough class warfare
VW management wants to save more than four billion euros to overcome its corporate crisis. In addition to job cuts and wage reductions, three plants in Germany are to be closed according to the works council. On the other hand, the company paid millions in bonuses to its board members over the years despite numerous scandals. There are strategic mistakes, too, as IG Metall never tires of putting emphasis on, such as the focus on the high-priced SUV segment in the field of electromobility. A criticism that could be heard on the factory floors long before the current headlines. Source: nd-aktuell
Brandenburg SPD-BSW coalition gets closer
In Brandenburg, the SPD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) are heading towards government coalition negotiations. An exploratory paper drawn up by the parties was presented to the public on Monday morning and to the respective party executive committees in the evening. The Minister President of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), considered an SPD-BSW government alliance could be the only way to form a stable government in Brandenburg without the AfD. If the SPD and BSW form a government they would reach the necessary majority in parliament – but by only two votes. Source: nd-aktuell
Metal and electrical industry start warning strike
IG Metall started its warning strike in the metal and electrical industry. Actions are planned throughout Germany – including at a VW plant. The union is demanding a seven per cent wage increase. Demonstrations were held overnight at the VW plant in Osnabrück, among others. 250 employees were on site, according to a spokesperson for IG Metall Osnabrück. The plant, which has around 2,500 employees and is threatened with closure, is not covered by the VW collective labour agreement, which is still subject to a so-called “peace obligation” (that is an agreement for no industrial action) until the end of November. Source: tagesschau
