Germany megathread

[President Johnson]

Angela Merkel has rejected a job offer at the UN:

https://twitter.com/dwnews/status/1483863325234634752?cxt=HHwWgIC5vaP13pcpAAAA

Merkel also refuses to become honorary chairwoman of CDU: https://m.tagesspiegel.de/politik/eine-tradition-von-frueher-angela-merkel-verzichtet-auf-cdu-ehrenvorsitz/27996522.html

Before her, all former CDU chancellors had become honorary chairmen, and the CSU currently has three of them (former proper party chairs Stoiber, Waigel, and Seehofer).

I wonder when Merkel will leave the CDU altogether.

Yeah, I also remember that during a press conference (during the transition period, if I'm not mistaken) Mutti referred to the CDU as "the party close to me". And just after a longer break she added "the party I'm a member of", almost as if she forgot about that.

I think she's pretty much done with partisan politics and doesn't care about the CDU any longer, which is also why she did practically nothing to get Laschet elected.

[President Johnson]

Deadly incident in Heidelberg. RIP to the victim.

https://twitter.com/TheLocalGermany/status/1485663701856243712

[President Johnson]

AfD in disarray! Co-leader Jörg Meuthen quits his position and leaves the party outright because all of a sudden he realized that the party is indeed far right and the influence of literal Nazis is steadily increasing. Ironically that's the third AfD leader in a row, after Bernd Lucke and Frauke Petry, who steps down and immediately leaves the party. And that after they pushed their predecessor aside with the help of the nationalist wing.

Meuthen was one of the last AfD politicians at least appearing like a normal conservative, but who turned a blind eye to the far-right for far too long. Just a year ago, he even denied there are any extremists in the AfD. In an interview now, he dennonuced his former party's Covid stances and said that he was mocked in internal meetings for admitting that he was fully vaccinated and got a booster shot.

https://twitter.com/TheLocalGermany/status/1487100174144966656

[Pick Up the Phone]

The AfD is a complete joke: Exhibit No. 7264.

In retrospect, it is almost funny that five years ago people considered them evil nazi geniuses of sorts. “It is just a matter of time until they join the government! They’re so dangerous! They’re so powerful!” LOL.

Rarely have I seen such an inept and poorly managed party.

[CumbrianLefty]

Isn't he pretty much the last of the "old school" AfD, though?

Which means his successor is likely to be one of the nutters.

[President Johnson]

Isn't he pretty much the last of the "old school" AfD, though?

Which means his successor is likely to be one of the nutters.

Well, at least not comparable to the party founders like Bernd Lucke. Meuthen was just sounded a little more moderate in tone on occasion, though he's on record for various obnoxious statements as well (Germany is "left-green filthy", climate activists are "political terrorists" etc.). He just wasn't right-wing enough anymore. He's definitely a hypocrite and grifter.

[President Johnson]

A brutal cop murder in Rhineland-Palatinate has shocked the nation today. Two officers, a 29-year old man and his 24-year female colleague, were shot during a routine inspection early in the morning. Two suspects were just arrested. I hope these sick and deranged individuals get the toughest punishment possible.

https://twitter.com/TheLocalGermany/status/1488219920215117826

[Middle-aged Europe]

A brutal cop murder in Rhineland-Palatinate has shocked the nation today. Two officers, a 29-year old man and his 24-year female colleague, were shot during a routine inspection early in the morning. Two suspects were just arrested. I hope these sick and deranged individuals get the toughest punishment possible.

https://twitter.com/TheLocalGermany/status/1488219920215117826

The perp, a 38-year old man named Andreas S., has been described as a "businessman" who had went bankrupt a couple of months ago and who was in possession of a hunting license, hence the guns.

[NewYorkExpress]

Germany banned the German-language version of Russia Today.

The German broadcasting regulator has banned the transmission of the German-language channel of Russian state broadcaster RT, amid rising tensions between Moscow and the West.

The transmission of the channel “RT DE” was “prohibited because it does not have the necessary broadcasting licence”, the regulator’s authorisation and oversight commission said in a statement on Wednesday.


The broadcaster was blocked from Europe’s satellite network on December 22 at the request of German authorities, less than a week after going on air, but was still available over the internet and via a mobile app.

In response to the earlier decision, RT DE said its suspension was “illegal” and the result of political pressure from Berlin, at a time of diplomatic tensions between Germany and Russia.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Germany banned the German-language version of Russia Today.

The German broadcasting regulator has banned the transmission of the German-language channel of Russian state broadcaster RT, amid rising tensions between Moscow and the West.

The transmission of the channel “RT DE” was “prohibited because it does not have the necessary broadcasting licence”, the regulator’s authorisation and oversight commission said in a statement on Wednesday.


The broadcaster was blocked from Europe’s satellite network on December 22 at the request of German authorities, less than a week after going on air, but was still available over the internet and via a mobile app.

In response to the earlier decision, RT DE said its suspension was “illegal” and the result of political pressure from Berlin, at a time of diplomatic tensions between Germany and Russia.

Russia has just retaliated by shutting down German public international broadcaster "Deutsche Welle" in Moscow.

https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/moskau-buero-deutsche-welle-100.html (in German)

[Middle-aged Europe]

Germany banned the German-language version of Russia Today.

The German broadcasting regulator has banned the transmission of the German-language channel of Russian state broadcaster RT, amid rising tensions between Moscow and the West.

The transmission of the channel “RT DE” was “prohibited because it does not have the necessary broadcasting licence”, the regulator’s authorisation and oversight commission said in a statement on Wednesday.


The broadcaster was blocked from Europe’s satellite network on December 22 at the request of German authorities, less than a week after going on air, but was still available over the internet and via a mobile app.

In response to the earlier decision, RT DE said its suspension was “illegal” and the result of political pressure from Berlin, at a time of diplomatic tensions between Germany and Russia.

Russia has just retaliated by shutting down German public international broadcaster "Deutsche Welle" in Moscow.

https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/moskau-buero-deutsche-welle-100.html (in German)

English-language article: https://www.dw.com/en/russia-shuts-dws-moscow-office-withdraws-staff-credentials/a-60646973

[Clarko95 📚💰📈]

So the Traffic Light honeymoon is over. 57% of Germans disapprove of the government's performance against 38% approval, which is a major turnaround from December's numbers of 46% approve/37% disapprove.

Scholz's approvals have collapsed to just 43% approve/51% disapprove. Lindner and Habeck are also in negative territory. Baerbock, interestingly, has gained, but still a majority disapprove.

53% of FDP voters disapprove, while only 4% approve. Even amongst SPD and Green voters, approval is just over 2/3 each.

The CDU is now back ahead of the SPD in polling averages:



So what's the cause of this?

Well, basically everything: gasoline and heating gas prices are through the roof, there is ever-increasing frustration with the COVID restrictions situation, inflation is hurting, SPD infighting about Russia, the Greens are slashing funding for eco-friendly housing and suffered a defeat on nuclear being considered "green", there is total paralysis about a vaccine mandate (which a majority of Germans support), etc.

But one of the biggest issues is that there simply seems to be a total lack of leadership, especially from Scholz himself. He has been more or less totally absent for the past month, it seems. Even if he is working like a dog behind the scenes, he needs to occasionally show some leadership publicly and also corral his own party.

Furthermore, there are very few accomplishments to speak of. What few there are, are either still in the draft stage (12 Euro minimum wage, 11 billion in tax breaks and COVID aid, abortion access, 2% of the budget for wind power, etc.) or are non-actions (not raising taxes). Otherwise just....nothing is happening. Total stagnation in the face of multiple crises, it seems.

Of course, while the CDU/CSU are up, Merz's favorabilities are still quite negative: only 37% approve of him (can't seem to find any disapproval numbers other than a vague "majority disapproves").


As an SPD member, I have to agree. It's been 5 months and nothing meaningful has happened. If anything, things have gotten worse as more COVID restrictions came into effect in October despite 70%+ vaccination rates and there seems to be no end to this. And that moron Drosten wants to consider lifting restrictions only after Easter (!), despite hospitalizations falling, while the government is debating loosening restrictions later this month. It just never ends and the communication has been absolutely atrocious.

[President Johnson]

So what's the cause of this?

My theory is that Scholz as of recently as been perceived as weak in his leadership. And as much as I like him, he has indeed not been out in front on key issues and shown more eagerness to lead as people would expect him. Two issues stand out in my opinion: Scholz and the cabinet not taking a firmer stance on the vaccine mandate ("just let the Bundestag decide") and his lukewarm stance on Russia/Ukraine, with the SPD divided over how to deal with Putin. Schröder's ridiculous remarks about accusing Ukrainians of warmongering wasn't helpful either. At least Scholz will head to Moscow shortly and meet with Putin after an upcoming visit at the White House to talk with Joe Biden.

Furthermore, the Union has largely been out of the news in recent weeks after Merz won the leadership election. Ralph Brinkhaus has surrendered the parliamentary leadership job to him without a fight, avoiding any public drama. Another factor may be conservative-leaning FDP voters returning to the CDU because the Free Democrats have been forced to compromise with two center-left parties. ARD Deutschlandtrend even showed at just 43% of FDP voters are satisfied with the government, while 53% aren't. Even among SPD and Green supporters, that number is only in the high 60s.

I think (and hope) this will change once the results are coming in. It's still early and the government didn't have much time to start the major reform projects.

[Middle-aged Europe]

So the Traffic Light honeymoon is over. 57% of Germans disapprove of the government's performance against 38% approval, which is a major turnaround from December's numbers of 46% approve/37% disapprove.

Scholz's approvals have collapsed to just 43% approve/51% disapprove. Lindner and Habeck are also in negative territory. Baerbock, interestingly, has gained, but still a majority disapprove.

53% of FDP voters disapprove, while only 4% approve. Even amongst SPD and Green voters, approval is just over 2/3 each.

The CDU is now back ahead of the SPD in polling averages:



So what's the cause of this?

Well, basically everything: gasoline and heating gas prices are through the roof, there is ever-increasing frustration with the COVID restrictions situation, inflation is hurting, SPD infighting about Russia, the Greens are slashing funding for eco-friendly housing and suffered a defeat on nuclear being considered "green", there is total paralysis about a vaccine mandate (which a majority of Germans support), etc.

But one of the biggest issues is that there simply seems to be a total lack of leadership, especially from Scholz himself. He has been more or less totally absent for the past month, it seems. Even if he is working like a dog behind the scenes, he needs to occasionally show some leadership publicly and also corral his own party.

Furthermore, there are very few accomplishments to speak of. What few there are, are either still in the draft stage (12 Euro minimum wage, 11 billion in tax breaks and COVID aid, abortion access, 2% of the budget for wind power, etc.) or are non-actions (not raising taxes). Otherwise just....nothing is happening. Total stagnation in the face of multiple crises, it seems.

Of course, while the CDU/CSU are up, Merz's favorabilities are still quite negative: only 37% approve of him (can't seem to find any disapproval numbers other than a vague "majority disapproves").


As an SPD member, I have to agree. It's been 5 months and nothing meaningful has happened. If anything, things have gotten worse as more COVID restrictions came into effect in October despite 70%+ vaccination rates and there seems to be no end to this. And that moron Drosten wants to consider lifting restrictions only after Easter (!), despite hospitalizations falling, while the government is debating loosening restrictions later this month. It just never ends and the communication has been absolutely atrocious.

^^ You're right about most things, although I somewhat doubt that the Corona restrictions thing has anything to do with it. The same poll you cite shows that 44% consider current restrictions "appropriate" and for 22% they are even "not going far enough", meaning 66% of the population essentially opposes loosening them at this point. That's less support than a month ago, but still a pretty definitive majority.

[Clarko95 📚💰📈]

^^ You're right about most things, although I somewhat doubt that the Corona restrictions thing has anything to do with it. The same poll you cite shows that 44% consider current restrictions "appropriate" and for 22% they are even "not going far enough", meaning 66% of the population essentially opposes loosening them at this point. That's less support than a month ago, but still a pretty definitive majority.

True, but i think it's the combination of both lack of a decision on mandatory vaccination plus the restrictions.

If they would make up their mind and mandate it, then the restrictions will end sooner rather than later. But without any decision, there will always be that 20-25% who will basically never get vaccinated voluntarily, hence they will keep spreading it and the pandemic will just keep going.

[President Johnson]

snip

^^ You're right about most things, although I somewhat doubt that the Corona restrictions thing has anything to do with it. The same poll you cite shows that 44% consider current restrictions "appropriate" and for 22% they are even "not going far enough", meaning 66% of the population essentially opposes loosening them at this point. That's less support than a month ago, but still a pretty definitive majority.

Also, the Union pretty much supports Covid restrictions. The implementation is pretty much a state issue and the Union governs in a decent number of them. Aside from AfD, the differences go through the parties themselves.

[buritobr]

Olaf Scholz government was already longer than Kurt von Schleicher's government

[President Johnson]

Beyond disgusting former chancellor Schröder is apparently taking another job for a Russian gas corporation. I used to like him as chancellor, but at this point I actually support demands from a number of Union and FDP politicians stripping him from privileges that former chancellors have. He's supposed to serve the interest of Germany and not being on Putin's payroll.

https://twitter.com/dwnews/status/1489667319236341761

[Middle-aged Europe]

At this rate I wonder when Schröder is gonna accept Russian citizenship.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Meanwhile, Annalena Baerbock has made a bit of an usual pick. She appointed American enviromental activist and executive director of Greenpeace International Jennifer Morgan as special representative for International climate policy at the German Foreign Office. Later on, Morgan is supposed to serve with the rank of an undersecretary. In order to do his, a fast-tracked naturalization as a German citizen is planned.

Maybe it's the compensation for losing Gerhard Schröder to Russia.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Markus Söder was in favour of vaccine mandates, before he was against it, before he was in favour of it, before he was against it again!! Or in other words, he always supports vaccine mandates as a theoretical concept, but he's against actually implementing them. He likes to talk tough.... emphasis on talk, not tough.

[President Johnson]

Markus Söder has always been a flip-flopper, whatever served his immediate political interest. Around 2018/19, he suddenly discovered his passion for environmentalism when it was cool because kids were protesting. His pandemic policies were far less successful than he claims and he more than once switched between "Team Vorsicht" and "Team Locker".

I hope Scholz and his cabinet follow through to sue Bavaria for refusal to execute the vaccine mandate law, if Söder doesn't correct course. Laws are on the books to be enforced and you can't cherrypick whichever you want.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Markus Söder has always been a flip-flopper, whatever served his immediate political interest. Around 2018/19, he suddenly discovered his passion for environmentalism when it was cool because kids were protesting. His pandemic policies were far less successful than he claims and he more than once switched between "Team Vorsicht" and "Team Locker".

I hope Scholz and his cabinet follow through to sue Bavaria for refusal to execute the vaccine mandate law, if Söder doesn't correct course. Laws are on the books to be enforced and you can't cherrypick whichever you want.

The legal recourse if a state refuses to implement federal law is Article 84 of the Basic Law which authorizes the federal goverment to place a state under so-called "federal supervision" (Bundesaufsicht). I don't know if this article was ever actually used before but it gives the federal government a number of options, including the appointment of commissioners who would supervise the state agencies responsible for implementing the federal law in question.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Justice minister Marco Buschmann (FDP) has issued the most scathing reply to Markus Söder' refusal to implement the vaccine mandate for medical and nursing personnel: "Under the rule of law the laws apply. When the governing are choosing for themselves which laws they are following and which they are not tyranny is not far behind."

Meanwhile, evidence amounts that even Söder's refusal is just talk and no action again, considering that his health minister has assured that the implementation of the vaccine mandate in Bavaria will only be minimally delayed.

[Vaccinated Russian Bear]

Beyond disgusting former chancellor Schröder is apparently taking another job for a Russian gas corporation. I used to like him as chancellor, but at this point I actually support demands from a number of Union and FDP politicians stripping him from privileges that former chancellors have. He's supposed to serve the interest of Germany and not being on Putin's payroll.

https://twitter.com/dwnews/status/1489667319236341761

IMO, Merkel did more for Putin than Schröder. 16 years as Chancellor! She could have stopped NS1, she could definitely have stopped NS2. In fact, I think she was the only one that had authority both among Germans and among Western leaders, who could managed to get Nord Stream 2 done despite very strong objections from Eastern Europe and US. Nobody could. She managed.

Access to Schröder's social and political network is with no doubts useful for NS/Rosneft/Gazprom/Russia/Putin, but it pales in comparison to Merkel