Germany megathread

[NewYorkExpress]

Someone tried to burn the memorial to gay victims of the Holocaust in Berlin.

Berlin police arrested a man Tuesday in an arson attack on the city’s Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism.

The 63-year-old suspect, whose name was not released, is accused of throwing a burning object at the concrete memorial on Saturday in an attempt to set it ablaze, authorities said in a statement Wednesday. They also said the man is suspected of sticking pieces of paper with Bible verses and Christian references on the memorial.

Police added that the man is suspected in additional arson attacks on a public book box dedicated to the history of the Holocaust and a Berlin lesbian bar from Saturday to Monday. He was arrested at his home, police said, where he “admitted the acts extensively.”

https://twitter.com/BundesKultur/status/1691414075018825729

[certified hummus supporter 🇵🇸🤝🇺🇸🤝🇺🇦]

Are you ing kidding me?

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1691814411890053247

[President Johnson]

Are you ing kidding me?

https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1691814411890053247

It's disappointing, but just one provision taken out of one particular law. Not that much of a huge deal in practice so far.

[Middle-aged Europe]

The federal cabinet has passed a draft law for the legalization of recreational cannabis.

Here are the details:

The main provisions in the draft law on the planned legalization of cannabis in Germany include the following points:

• Possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis is not punishable in Germany.
• Each adult may grow up to three cannabis plants at home for their own consumption.
• Cannabis can also be cultivated in so-called cultivation associations with official permission . These may have a maximum of 500 members, who should each receive a maximum of 25 grams of cannabis per day or 50 grams per month.
• Cannabis may only be passed on in the form of marijuana or hashish.
• There is an advertising and sponsorship ban for consumption cannabis and for the cultivation of cannabis.
• Authorities control the quality and quantities of cannabis.
  
• Preventive measures and advice are to be taken over by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) and by the cultivation associations in cooperation with local addiction advice centers.

The draft also states that the prohibition policy has failed in connection with cannabis - current developments show that consumption is increasing, especially among young people. According to the draft, the law will be reviewed after four years and adjusted if necessary.

As some editorials have noted, an overcomplicated law. Which is a very German thing to do.

[Clarko95 📚💰📈]

The federal cabinet has approved draft laws of the new Self-Determination Act regarding gender identity and transgenderism, and the new Citizenship Act to allow dual citizenship

Self Determination Act:

• the existing Transsexual Act of 1980 will be repealed and replaced by the new act
• Simplified gender registration and name change: the adjustment of the gender entry and the first name is done by self-insurance at the registry office. The humiliating "expert procedure" is to be abolished
• Minors and consent: Persons under the age of 14 require parental consent. Between the ages of 14 and 17, either parental consent or, in the event of an objection, the judgment of the family court is required
• Fines for malicious deadnaming: Anyone who intentionally discloses gender or name in order to cause harm can face fines of up to 10,000 euros

The draft laws now goes to the Bundestag for ratification.

[President Johnson]

The federal cabinet has approved draft laws of the new Self-Determination Act regarding gender identity and transgenderism, and the new Citizenship Act to allow dual citizenship

Self Determination Act:

• the existing Transsexual Act of 1980 will be repealed and replaced by the new act
• Simplified gender registration and name change: the adjustment of the gender entry and the first name is done by self-insurance at the registry office. The humiliating "expert procedure" is to be abolished
• Minors and consent: Persons under the age of 14 require parental consent. Between the ages of 14 and 17, either parental consent or, in the event of an objection, the judgment of the family court is required
• Fines for malicious deadnaming: Anyone who intentionally discloses gender or name in order to cause harm can face fines of up to 10,000 euros

The draft laws now goes to the Bundestag for ratification.

All of that wouldn't be possible with the Union still in power. Actually the Ampel has gotten a ton of stuff done despite public perception that it's ineffective. Scholz needs much better messaging. All of that kind of reminds me of Biden.

[JimJamUK]

• Fines for malicious deadnaming: Anyone who intentionally discloses gender or name in order to cause harm can face fines of up to 10,000 euros

How are they defining ‘harm’? My gut reaction is that sounds a bit worrying for freedom of speech.

[MaxQue]

• Fines for malicious deadnaming: Anyone who intentionally discloses gender or name in order to cause harm can face fines of up to 10,000 euros

How are they defining ‘harm’? My gut reaction is that sounds a bit worrying for freedom of speech.

Harassment isn't freedom of speech, despite what the UK media would like you to believe.[/list]

[President Johnson]

Less than two months ahead of the Bavaria state election, Bavarian vice premier and economy minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) is accused to be the author of an anti-semitic leaflet during his time at school in the 1980s. The story has gained national traction and numerous politicians from across the spectrum expressed strong criticism and demand an investigation. Even AfD officials called it disgraceful, lmao. Minister-President Söder, who actually wants to continue the CSU-Free Voters coalition, called the leaflet sick and a disgrace and said Aiwanger has to address the matter. SPD and Greens demand his resignation or removal from office.

Aiwanger now just came out and denied the claims, saying his brother was the author.

Aiwanger is known for his populism and laughable Twitter rants against the Scholz government and particulary against the Greens. He also called on people to "take their country and democracy back" when the law to reform heating systems was under discussion lately.

One way or the other, I'd be happy to see this clown leaving politics.

https://twitter.com/tagesschau/status/1695477790370386067

https://twitter.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/1695479671742173557

[Beezer]

The federal cabinet has approved draft laws of the new Self-Determination Act regarding gender identity and transgenderism, and the new Citizenship Act to allow dual citizenship

Self Determination Act:

• the existing Transsexual Act of 1980 will be repealed and replaced by the new act
• Simplified gender registration and name change: the adjustment of the gender entry and the first name is done by self-insurance at the registry office. The humiliating "expert procedure" is to be abolished
• Minors and consent: Persons under the age of 14 require parental consent. Between the ages of 14 and 17, either parental consent or, in the event of an objection, the judgment of the family court is required
• Fines for malicious deadnaming: Anyone who intentionally discloses gender or name in order to cause harm can face fines of up to 10,000 euros

The draft laws now goes to the Bundestag for ratification.

All of that wouldn't be possible with the Union still in power. Actually the Ampel has gotten a ton of stuff done despite public perception that it's ineffective. Scholz needs much better messaging. All of that kind of reminds me of Biden.

Well, the problem just is that (contrary to Biden), practically all of the stuff the Ampel gets done is incredibly unpopular beyond the liberal-left fringe.



https://civey.com/umfragen/33330/wie-bewerten-sie-das-geplante-selbstbestimmungsgesetz-wonach-menschen-ihren-geschlechtseintrag-kunftig-einmal-im-jahr-beim-standesamt-andern-konnen

[President Johnson]

The federal cabinet has approved draft laws of the new Self-Determination Act regarding gender identity and transgenderism, and the new Citizenship Act to allow dual citizenship

Self Determination Act:

• the existing Transsexual Act of 1980 will be repealed and replaced by the new act
• Simplified gender registration and name change: the adjustment of the gender entry and the first name is done by self-insurance at the registry office. The humiliating "expert procedure" is to be abolished
• Minors and consent: Persons under the age of 14 require parental consent. Between the ages of 14 and 17, either parental consent or, in the event of an objection, the judgment of the family court is required
• Fines for malicious deadnaming: Anyone who intentionally discloses gender or name in order to cause harm can face fines of up to 10,000 euros

The draft laws now goes to the Bundestag for ratification.

All of that wouldn't be possible with the Union still in power. Actually the Ampel has gotten a ton of stuff done despite public perception that it's ineffective. Scholz needs much better messaging. All of that kind of reminds me of Biden.

Well, the problem just is that (contrary to Biden), practically all of the stuff the Ampel gets done is incredibly unpopular beyond the liberal-left fringe.



https://civey.com/umfragen/33330/wie-bewerten-sie-das-geplante-selbstbestimmungsgesetz-wonach-menschen-ihren-geschlechtseintrag-kunftig-einmal-im-jahr-beim-standesamt-andern-konnen

The minimum wage increase, special fund for the military, repeal of $219a and immigration reform are certainly popular.

[Clarko95 📚💰📈]

I'm on vacation and on mobile, so no detailed post, but the federal cabinet has agreed on three new laws: basic child security, industrial electric price cap, and a bureaucracy-reduction law

[President Johnson]

I'm on vacation and on mobile, so no detailed post, but the federal cabinet has agreed on three new laws: basic child security, industrial electric price cap, and a bureaucracy-reduction law

Pretty much a win for Lindner and the FDP and a loss for the Greens. The Greens and Family Minister Lisa Paus demanded a sum up to twelve billion euros and they ended up just over two million. Most of that sum will be allocated to formally setting up the administration of the basic child security program, which intends to bundle of all transfer services to a single program, going into effect by 2025.

[NewYorkExpress]

Hubert Aiwanger is under fire for allegedly distributing an antisemitic leaflet as a teenager.

An antisemitic pamphlet circulated at a high school in southern Germany 35 years ago is at the center of a political storm affecting election campaigning in Bavaria — and beyond.

Hubert Aiwanger, deputy premier and economy minister of the large and influential southern German state of Bavaria, admitted over the weekend that he was involved in distributing an antisemitic leaflet during his high school years in the late 1980s. Aiwanger now faces growing pressure to answer questions, along with calls for his resignation.

Aiwanger is leader of the right-wing Free Voters party, which is active across Germany but particularly successful in Bavaria, where it’s gained increasing popularity over recent weeks — an effort largely attributed to Aiwanger.


With elections slated for the state on October 8, any prolonged controversy around the politician could affect not only his party’s popularity, but also Bavaria’s Premier Markus Söder of the center-right Christian Social Union (CSU). Söder’s CSU rules in a coalition with Aiwanger’s Free Voters — and many believe Söder aims to become chancellor in Berlin.


German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung first reported last Friday about the pamphlet, which described a fictional competition entitled “Who is the biggest traitor to the Fatherland?” with the first prize as “A free flight through the chimney of Auschwitz” — a macabre reference to the Nazi concentration camp where at least 1 million Jews were murdered during World War II.

Despite Aiwanger categorically denying authorship of text, which he said he considers “disgusting and inhumane,” political uproar over the antisemitic leaflet continues to snowball.

“If the accusations against Hubert Aiwanger are true, Markus Söder must immediately draw consequences and dismiss his deputy,” said Saskia Esken, co-leader of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is in the opposition in Bavaria.

Scholz said Monday via a spokesperson that the incident “must be cleared up comprehensively and immediately,” adding that “political consequences” may be necessary.

[Middle-aged Europe]

Hubert Aiwanger is under fire for allegedly distributing an antisemitic leaflet as a teenager.

An antisemitic pamphlet circulated at a high school in southern Germany 35 years ago is at the center of a political storm affecting election campaigning in Bavaria — and beyond.

Hubert Aiwanger, deputy premier and economy minister of the large and influential southern German state of Bavaria, admitted over the weekend that he was involved in distributing an antisemitic leaflet during his high school years in the late 1980s. Aiwanger now faces growing pressure to answer questions, along with calls for his resignation.

Aiwanger is leader of the right-wing Free Voters party, which is active across Germany but particularly successful in Bavaria, where it’s gained increasing popularity over recent weeks — an effort largely attributed to Aiwanger.


With elections slated for the state on October 8, any prolonged controversy around the politician could affect not only his party’s popularity, but also Bavaria’s Premier Markus Söder of the center-right Christian Social Union (CSU). Söder’s CSU rules in a coalition with Aiwanger’s Free Voters — and many believe Söder aims to become chancellor in Berlin.


German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung first reported last Friday about the pamphlet, which described a fictional competition entitled “Who is the biggest traitor to the Fatherland?” with the first prize as “A free flight through the chimney of Auschwitz” — a macabre reference to the Nazi concentration camp where at least 1 million Jews were murdered during World War II.

Despite Aiwanger categorically denying authorship of text, which he said he considers “disgusting and inhumane,” political uproar over the antisemitic leaflet continues to snowball.

“If the accusations against Hubert Aiwanger are true, Markus Söder must immediately draw consequences and dismiss his deputy,” said Saskia Esken, co-leader of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is in the opposition in Bavaria.

Scholz said Monday via a spokesperson that the incident “must be cleared up comprehensively and immediately,” adding that “political consequences” may be necessary.

Aiwanger is probably the most DeSantisian politician Germany has. A regional government official from a conservative state who as a populist rails against a supposedly overreaching federal government, against refugees, and against Covid vaccinations.

Except that Aiwanger used to be an actual Nazi when he was a teenager. In addition to the aforementioned pamphlet new allegations have now surfaced: A former co-student of him has accused Aiwanger of having had the habit of showing the Hitler salute in school. In short, Aiwanger is toast and it is only matter of when, not if.

[CumbrianLefty]

When somebody condemns completely fact based allegations as "politically motivated smears" (as he is now doing) it is almost always a sign they are not long for this political world.

[Middle-aged Europe]

When somebody condemns completely fact based allegations as "politically motivated smears" (as he is now doing) it is almost always a sign they are not long for this political world.

ILLIGAL WITCH HUNT!!.!?!

[President Johnson]

Hubert Aiwanger is under fire for allegedly distributing an antisemitic leaflet as a teenager.

An antisemitic pamphlet circulated at a high school in southern Germany 35 years ago is at the center of a political storm affecting election campaigning in Bavaria — and beyond.

Hubert Aiwanger, deputy premier and economy minister of the large and influential southern German state of Bavaria, admitted over the weekend that he was involved in distributing an antisemitic leaflet during his high school years in the late 1980s. Aiwanger now faces growing pressure to answer questions, along with calls for his resignation.

Aiwanger is leader of the right-wing Free Voters party, which is active across Germany but particularly successful in Bavaria, where it’s gained increasing popularity over recent weeks — an effort largely attributed to Aiwanger.


With elections slated for the state on October 8, any prolonged controversy around the politician could affect not only his party’s popularity, but also Bavaria’s Premier Markus Söder of the center-right Christian Social Union (CSU). Söder’s CSU rules in a coalition with Aiwanger’s Free Voters — and many believe Söder aims to become chancellor in Berlin.


German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung first reported last Friday about the pamphlet, which described a fictional competition entitled “Who is the biggest traitor to the Fatherland?” with the first prize as “A free flight through the chimney of Auschwitz” — a macabre reference to the Nazi concentration camp where at least 1 million Jews were murdered during World War II.

Despite Aiwanger categorically denying authorship of text, which he said he considers “disgusting and inhumane,” political uproar over the antisemitic leaflet continues to snowball.

“If the accusations against Hubert Aiwanger are true, Markus Söder must immediately draw consequences and dismiss his deputy,” said Saskia Esken, co-leader of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is in the opposition in Bavaria.

Scholz said Monday via a spokesperson that the incident “must be cleared up comprehensively and immediately,” adding that “political consequences” may be necessary.

Aiwanger is probably the most DeSantisian politician Germany has. A regional government official from a conservative state who as a populist rails against a supposedly overreaching federal government, against refugees, and against Covid vaccinations.

Except that Aiwanger used to be an actual Nazi when he was a teenager. In addition to the aforementioned pamphlet new allegations have now surfaced: A former co-student of him has accused Aiwanger of having had the habit of showing the Hitler salute in school. In short, Aiwanger is toast and it is only matter of when, not if.

I wonder whether this could switch votes to the CSU in October, allowing them to regain an absolute majority again. I quite never understood what was unique about the Free Voters in Bavaria when elsewhere it's just a local political force with no actual partisan platform. Meanwhile, in Bavaria it's a right of center political force with populist tendencies, which is similar to the CSU. The only meaningful difference I can think of lately is the CSU being more strict on Covid measures and pro-vaccine (though Söder was the nation's chief flip-flopper on Covid).

If the CSU indeed ends up capitalizing on the expense of Free Voters, it would bolster Söder's position at the federal level as well. He could again make a credible argument to become the Union's chancellor candidate. He's definitely a stronger choice than Mr. Blackrock.

[windjammer]

Hubert Aiwanger is under fire for allegedly distributing an antisemitic leaflet as a teenager.

An antisemitic pamphlet circulated at a high school in southern Germany 35 years ago is at the center of a political storm affecting election campaigning in Bavaria — and beyond.

Hubert Aiwanger, deputy premier and economy minister of the large and influential southern German state of Bavaria, admitted over the weekend that he was involved in distributing an antisemitic leaflet during his high school years in the late 1980s. Aiwanger now faces growing pressure to answer questions, along with calls for his resignation.

Aiwanger is leader of the right-wing Free Voters party, which is active across Germany but particularly successful in Bavaria, where it’s gained increasing popularity over recent weeks — an effort largely attributed to Aiwanger.


With elections slated for the state on October 8, any prolonged controversy around the politician could affect not only his party’s popularity, but also Bavaria’s Premier Markus Söder of the center-right Christian Social Union (CSU). Söder’s CSU rules in a coalition with Aiwanger’s Free Voters — and many believe Söder aims to become chancellor in Berlin.


German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung first reported last Friday about the pamphlet, which described a fictional competition entitled “Who is the biggest traitor to the Fatherland?” with the first prize as “A free flight through the chimney of Auschwitz” — a macabre reference to the Nazi concentration camp where at least 1 million Jews were murdered during World War II.

Despite Aiwanger categorically denying authorship of text, which he said he considers “disgusting and inhumane,” political uproar over the antisemitic leaflet continues to snowball.

“If the accusations against Hubert Aiwanger are true, Markus Söder must immediately draw consequences and dismiss his deputy,” said Saskia Esken, co-leader of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is in the opposition in Bavaria.

Scholz said Monday via a spokesperson that the incident “must be cleared up comprehensively and immediately,” adding that “political consequences” may be necessary.

Aiwanger is probably the most DeSantisian politician Germany has. A regional government official from a conservative state who as a populist rails against a supposedly overreaching federal government, against refugees, and against Covid vaccinations.

Except that Aiwanger used to be an actual Nazi when he was a teenager. In addition to the aforementioned pamphlet new allegations have now surfaced: A former co-student of him has accused Aiwanger of having had the habit of showing the Hitler salute in school. In short, Aiwanger is toast and it is only matter of when, not if.

I wonder whether this could switch votes to the CSU in October, allowing them to regain an absolute majority again. I quite never understood what was unique about the Free Voters in Bavaria when elsewhere it's just a local political force with no actual partisan platform. Meanwhile, in Bavaria it's a right of center political force with populist tendencies, which is similar to the CSU. The only meaningful difference I can think of lately is the CSU being more strict on Covid measures and pro-vaccine (though Söder was the nation's chief flip-flopper on Covid).

If the CSU indeed ends up capitalizing on the expense of Free Voters, it would bolster Söder's position at the federal level as well. He could again make a credible argument to become the Union's chancellor candidate. He's definitely a stronger choice than Mr. Blackrock.

Maybe they are perceived as some kind of "regionalists"? Something quite appealing in Bavaria I guess due to its history

[President Johnson]

Söder refuses to fire Aiwanger and intends to continue a coalition with the Free Voters after the October election. He also ruled out the Greens as potential partner in Bavaria.

https://twitter.com/dwnews/status/1698271428724883493

[Clarko95 📚💰📈]

Lindner presented the new 2024 budget and he wants to cut spending by 30 billion Euros 😭 😭 😭

This country is suicidally addicted to permanent recession

[Clarko95 📚💰📈]

The new Building Energy Act (commonly referred to as the Heating Law) was approved by the Bundestag yesterday in a 399-275 vote (5 abstentions).

The major change, which has already been discussed, is that instead of a total ban on new oil & gas heating systems, an overall goal of 65% renewable energy for new heating systems.

Really cool that this issue sucked up all political oxygen in this country since like February.

[Middle-aged Europe]

The major change, which has already been discussed, is that instead of a total ban on new oil & gas heating systems, an overall goal of 65% renewable energy for new heating systems.

^^ This wasn't a change, this had been the proposal from the start.

What changed in the meantime is that not every provision takes effect January 1, 2024 now, but depending on the building, heating and location there will be deadlines for 2026 and 2028. Subsidies have also been increased/improved.

[jaichind]

Looks like Sahra Wagenknecht is going to form her own party.  Could be a big blow for AfD

[Хahar 🤔]

I suppose it's possible that the 0.3% that the Wagenknecht party gets at the next election will take away a seat from AfD.