NEWS FROM BERLIN

Nan Goldin opens exhibition with accusations against Israel and Germany

The artist Nan Goldin at the opening of her show at “Neue Nationalgalerie” began her speech with “This will not end well”, asking for a minute’s silence for the victims in Gaza, Israel and Lebanon. In front of dozens of pro-Palestinian activists, the Jewish photographer denounced Israel’s actions and Germany’s attitude in the Middle East conflict. An attempt at a ‘counter-speech’ by the director of the Neue Nationalgalerie, Klaus Biesenbach, was shouted down by chants. “I have decided to use this exhibition as a platform to express my moral outrage at the genocide in Gaza and Lebanon,” Goldin affirmed. Source: Spiegel

Rents in Berlin have risen the most in Germany

Prices for new lettings have risen more sharply in Berlin than in any other major German city. This is according to a response from the federal government to a request from MP Caren Lay (Die Linke”). The price per square metre for a newly rented flat in Berlin has doubled in ten years: from an average of €8.10 in 2014 to €16.35 in 2023. The federal government points out that the data is not representative: Low-priced flats, for example, tend to be brokered via notices or estate agents and therefore do not appear in the statistics. Lay nevertheless criticises the fact that the rent freeze introduced in 2015 has been ineffective. Source: rbb

Berlin Senate reaches agreement in dispute over payment card for refugees

After months of wrangling, Berlin’s governing parties (CDU and SPD) have agreed on a solution to the issues surrounding payment card for refugees. The cash limit is now 50 euros per month, for adults and children. After six months, the cash limit will be automatically removed. However, it is not yet clear when the payment card will be introduced in Berlin. The payment card is valid throughout Germany and should not include any restrictions such as online purchases. The Integration Senator Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) told rbb that the payment card is not an instrument to control migration. Source: rbb

The Berlin Senate’s savings list

The Berlin Senate wants to save three billion euros – from the around 40 billion euro’s city budget. The ruling parties, CDU and SPD, announced where they want to cut spending: primarily in transport, but other areas such as culture and environment are also subject to cuts. With this cut, the 29-euro ticket for public transport, which has only been in circulation since July, will be completely cancelled again, but probably not until 2025. The ruling coalition parties agree in principle that an improvement in revenue is also necessary to close the gap in Berlin’s budget. Source: rbb

NEWS FROM GERMANY

VW: German union demands a deal before Christmas

IG Metall and the Volkswagen (VW) workers’ council are calling for VW to strike a deal with workers before Christmas. VW is Europe’s largest car manufacturer and has threatened plant closures and layoffs in a bid to reduce labor costs. IG Metall’s chief negotiator, Thorsten Gröger, accused VW management of wasting time in discussions so far. The chairwoman of the company’s workers’ council, Daniela Cavallo, described the threat of mass layoffs and plant closures as “maximum provocation”. A mandated moratorium on industrial action during initial talks is due to expire at the end of November, meaning that warning strikes are possible starting from December 1. Source: dw

Inveterate Holocaust denier Haverbeck dies at 96

Ursula Haverbeck, a notorious Holocaust denier, has died at the age of 96. She previously served two years in prison for Holocaust denial and was appealing another prison sentence of a year and four months handed down by the court in Hamburg when her she passed away. Among her repeated claims, made on television and in courts, was that the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was not an extermination camp. German government records show that at least 1.1 million people were murdered there alone. Her comments made her a favorite with far-right extremists. Source: dw

What do Germany’s hospital reforms mean for patients?

Germany’s hospital reform will become law on January 1, 2025. Under these reforms, the government will reorganise how federal funding is distributed to hospitals to improve treatments and reduce financial pressure on clinics. The changes will be gradually implemented in Germany’s 1,700 hospitals until 2029. Clinics will not be financed based on the number of patients they treat but on the number of services offered, such as staff numbers, emergency services or specific medical equipment available on site. It is expected that the new law will also spell hospital closures, but Karl Lauterbach (SPD) affirms these closures will be in areas where hospitals are “overabundant”. Source: i am expat

NEWS FROM BERLIN

Right-wing extremist demo wants to march through Rigaer Straße

An announced right-wing extremist demonstration through Berlin-Friedrichshain has provoked left-wing counterdemonstrations. The right-wing extremist event for December 14, registered with the police for some time, is to start at Ostkreuz, passing through Rigaer Straße. According to the police, 50 to 100 participants are registered. The planned counterdemonstrations are called “Against fascism, queer-hate and misogyny – for a colourful Berlin instead of a brown one” and “Put child Nazis to bed.” The demonstrations’ routes could still be changed due to the potentially dangerous situation, as announced by Senator of the Interior Iris Spranger (SPD). Source: rbb

Thousands protest against cuts to Berlin’s cultural scene

Berlin government has to make substantial savings – and will not spare the cultural sector. This includes theatres, opera houses, libraries and clubs. Their representatives protested in Berlin on Wednesday. According to the organisers, around 3,000 people took part in the demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate. A police spokeswoman gave the figure of 1,000 demonstrators when asked by rbb. Actress Katharina Thalbach and her colleagues Lars Eidinger and Alexander Scheer also took part in the protest. The Berlin Senate wants to cut 10% from all departments, and this will also affect the cultural budget. Source: tagesschau

NEWS FROM GERMANY

Germany to hold snap federal election on February 23

Following the traffic-light (“Ampel”) coalition’s collapse, Germany’s Federal Returning Officer has announced that Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) will face a no-confidence vote on December 16, 2024. The process will run then as following: in case Scholz loses the vote, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) will dissolve parliament 11 days afterwards, on December 27. Once parliament has been dissolved an election must be held within 60 days. In that situation, February 23 has been selected as the date Germans might return to the polls. Source: iamexpat

Germany’s health-care sector: skilled labor shortage

Around 47,400 positions in Germany’s health-care sector were unable to be filled by suitably qualified applicants in 2023 and 2024. This problem has been exacerbated by the increased health demands of an aging population, with Germany’s public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), predicting that the percentage of people aged 65 or older will grow from the current 21% to 29% by 2030. “An aging population leads to an increasing demand for health-care services. This increases the burden on existing skilled labor,” according to the authors of the study, carried out by the Competence Centre for Securing Skilled Labour at the German Economic Institute (IW). Source: dw

More than 3 million pensioners at risk of poverty in Germany

Sahra Wagenknecht, the leader of the new left-wing BSW party, lamented a “dramatic increase in old-age poverty” in an interview with the German dpa news agency published on Saturday. The BSW had issued a formal request for information to the European Union’s statistical agency Eurostat, which found that around 3.2 million people aged 65 or over in Germany were at risk of poverty. The figure had risen slightly in 2023, to 3.245 million, from 3.157 million the previous year. In 2013, only 2.4 million were at risk of poverty. Source: dw

Already 31,000 postal complaints

The Federal Network Agency has once again received significantly more complaints about the postal service. As the Bonn-based authority explained in response to an enquiry from dpa, it received around 31,700 complaints in the first nine months of the current year, 25% more than in the same period in 2023. Even if the complaints also concern other logistics companies in the postal and parcel sector, 90% of them were made against the former state-owned Deutsche Post, now DHL. From 2025 on, letter post may become a whopping 10.48% more expensive, and a normal letter will cost ten cents more. Source: jW

Warning strike phase thwarted

Negotiations between the Industrial Union for Construction, Agriculture and the Environment (IG BAU) and the Federal Guild Association of Building Cleaners (BIV) lasted a full 16 hours in Cologne last Thursday. In the end, they agreed on a wage increase of around 11% for the approximately 700,000 employees over a period of two years. In addition, there will be an increase in trainee pay, which will rise to up to 1,300 euros depending on the year of training. Around 800 employees from all over Germany took part in the demonstration to increase the pressure on the employers’ association. Source: nd

Bundeswehr prepares companies for the event of war

The German economy might face massive restrictions in the event of defence or tensions against other states. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the Bundeswehr has started training companies based on the “Operation Plan Germany.” The first version of the strategy paper is 1,000 pages long and the details are allegedly undisclosed. Nonetheless, such a document apparently lists all buildings and infrastructure facilities that are particularly worthy of protection for military reasons. Also, in the event of an emergency, companies are advised to draw up a concrete plan of what is expected of which employees. For self-protection, it is important that the entire workforce gets a feel for security issues. Source: n-tv

NEWS FROM BERLIN

“From the river to the sea” leads to condemnation

The pro-Palestinian slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” has led to the first conviction in Berlin for using the ’emblems of a terrorist organisation’. A 42-year-old Berlin woman was sentenced to a fine of 1,300 euros at the regional court – to be paid in 130 daily instalments. The accused is said to have spread the slogan on two occasions via her publicly accessible Instagram account on the internet. The offence was committed around a year ago. The lawyer of those convicted has already announced that she intends to appeal. Source: rbb

Greens accuse Senator Chialo of “burning” money from the anti-Semitism pot

Green MP Susanna Kahlefeld has accused the Berliner Administration for Culture and Social Cohesion of misusing funds from the 10 million € fund for projects related to anti-Semitism and interreligious dialogue. Since this sum was added to the budget at short notice by the current Berlin CDU-SPD government, Kahlefeld has regularly asked how the money is being used. In the response to an information request (as of yet unpublished), some of these projects seem to show little reference to anti-Semitism. For example, half a million euros might go to ‘Kiezradar’, a digital information channel, which intends to inform citizens about important events in general, highlighting opportunities for participation. Source: rbb

Horror at Forum Köpenick: video allegedly shows man shooting into snack bar

A video from a surveillance camera, which is circulating on social media, allegedly shows a suspected shooter firing at Forum Köpenick. It shows a man with his hood pulled over his head at 10.53 am. The perpetrator calmly approaches the shop and takes a gun out of his jacket pocket. But he subsequently has problems with his weapon. Then he apparently takes out a second gun, aims and shoots through the window. He misses the snack bar employee, who is working at the cooker and throws himself on the floor when the shop window shatters. The armed perpetrator has been on the run since. Source: berliner-kurier

NEWS FROM GERMANY

Bundestag votes by a large majority in favour of motion against hatred of Jews

On 7 November 2024 the Bundestag debated a cross-party motion for decisive action against anti-Semitism in Germany. The proposal by the SPD, CDU/CSU, Alliance 90/The Greens and FDP is entitled “Never again is now – protecting, preserving and strengthening Jewish life in Germany” (20/13627). The German Bundestag observed that Jewish life and culture once again exist in Germany after the National Socialist dictatorship and despite the Shoah. Their existence is a “special declaration of trust” in the country, the MPs emphasised. The parliamentary groups also observed the increase in anti-Semitic attacks, demonstrations and criminal offences. Source: bundestag

Downfall of Germany’s governing coalition

The “traffic-light” coalition has collapsed amid divisions over economic plans. Germany’s Free Democrats (FDP) withdrew all ministers from the Scholz government, formally ending the three-party “Ampel” coalition. A minority government is not completely new to Germany, although they have been rare at the federal, rather than state, level. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) says a vote of confidence is planned for January. Among possible future alliances, each party has shown their own interest. For instance, CDU and its Bavarian sister party, CSU, ruled out joining a coalition with the SPD as a junior partner under Chancellor Scholz. Currently, these conservative parties seem to be more interested in pushing for new elections. Source: dw

AfD expels ‘Saxonian Separatist’ militants

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) says it is expelling three party members over connections to the “Saxonian Separatists.” The group follows Nazi ideology and seeks to use social collapse to seize parts of eastern Germany. The day before the announcement, police arrested eight suspects in connection with the group. Prosecutors said the militants share a deep rejection of Germany’s free and democratic constitutional order and an ideology underpinned by racist, anti-Semitic and apocalyptic beliefs. The leaders of the AfD, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, said in a statement that they supported the expulsions. Source: dw

BDI calls for ‘sovereignty’

The German industrial lobby wants to better control “raw material sovereignty”. Under a Brandt-ian motto, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) met in Berlin and its president, Siegfried Russwurm, affirmed that Germany’s dependence on critical raw materials is “higher than ever” and requires political action. His arguments were based on a study, co-produced by the association and a management consultant firm. Its main demand is a package of measures to strengthen domestic raw material extraction and processing, the strengthening of existing and new raw material co-operations and the expansion of the circular economy. They propose a three-pronged strategy: “Domestic promotion plus international alliances plus technological innovation.” Source: jungewelt

NEWS FROM BERLIN

VBB tickets expected to be 7.5% more expensive in 2025

Public transport tickets from the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) will probably be around 7.5% more expensive in the new year, bringing a single journey in Berlin to almost four euros. The final decision on the price increase by the VBB Supervisory Board is still pending and expected in the coming weeks. When calculating the fares (the so-called VBB fare index), the development of the cost of living, electricity and fuel prices over the past 60 months is considered. Source: rbb

Warning strike at the rbb

The DJV and ver.di unions have called for a three-day warning strike at Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb). As a result, there will be restrictions in the programmes. So far, rbb and the trade unions have not been able to reach an agreement on how to proceed with a collective bargaining agreement for freelance employees that has already been negotiated and with the upcoming collective bargaining negotiations for permanent and temporary employees. The trade unions are calling for the collective agreement to protect long-term freelance employees to be signed. They also reject rbb’s demand for wage freezes for salaries and fees in the current round of collective bargaining. Source: rbb

Amazon Tower in Berlin: a city for corporations

The angular, mirrored glass façade looms coldly over the otherwise rather vibrant architecture around Warschauer Brücke in Friedrichshain. Edge East Side Tower is the name of the tower in which the major corporation Amazon has rented space – or Amazon Tower for short. An alliance of climate, urban and rental policy initiatives is fighting against the company’s move into Friedrichshain and recently called for a demonstration. There are many reasons to be against the corporation: the working conditions, for example, and the company’s carbon footprint. However, the most obvious one here in Berlin is the criticism of gentrification. Source: nd

NEWS FROM GERMANY

No recession, but little relief, for German economy

Germany, Europe’s long-time powerhouse, has been struggling badly in the last years. Yet last week there was some room for positivity. The country managed 0.2% growth in the third quarter of 2024, beating pessimistic expectations which had forecast a contraction. This means that, despite the drop in the second quarter, Germany avoids slipping into recession, typically defined as two successive quarters of contraction. However, in keeping with the grim mood that has hung over the country, this week’s data drop revealed that the economy shrank 0.3% between April and June, a revision downwards from the previously recorded 0.1% drop. Source: dw

Antisemitism cannot be fought in this way

For a good year now, the Ampel parliamentary groups and the CDU/CSU have been negotiating what a joint resolution against anti-Semitism could look like. Since the first drafts began to make the rounds, criticism of the plan has become ever louder. A group of Jewish and non-Jewish academics have recently formulated a counterproposal, focusing on positive measures to support Jewish life. In an open letter submitted to taz, more than 600 signatories from politics, culture and society have come out in favour of this letter. Among them, there are for instance the Green politician Daniel Cohn-Bendit, and the climate activist Luisa Neubauer. Source: taz

Scholz meets NATO chief Rutte in Berlin

In Mark Rutte’s first official visit to Germany since becoming head of the trans-Atlantic defence alliance, the new NATO chief praised the country’s efforts to boost defence spending in recent years. At a press conference after the meeting, Rutte said German defense spending was still too low, despite recent increases. Germany is now investing 2% of its gross domestic product in defense for the first time in three decades, but all Allies need to invest more, according to Rutte. Of particular security concern for the NATO countries is the recent addition of North Korean soldiers to Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, marking a new escalation of the conflict. Source: dw

German government going into crisis mode

Give up or rescue what can still be saved? This is the choice faced by the Ampel coalition government, which has been in office for almost three years. Its three parties have always been at loggerheads because many of their core policies are substantially different. Currently, several closed-door meetings are to culminate in a session of coalition representatives on November 6. Then, for the first time in weeks, the leaders of all three parties and their parliamentary groups will be sitting at the same table. There is considerable time pressure, as the 2025 budget is due to be passed in the Bundestag at the end of November. Source: dw

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