Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Three German News Stories

 1.  Doctors across Germany are calling for testing of incoming Chinese tourists for Covid.  The gov't had said it wasn't going to this test mandate (at least a couple of days ago).

Another report indicates that the EU is offering 'free' Covid vaccine to the Chinese.  

2.  One of the top discussions going on in the Bundestag....is the downsizing of the 'house'....from 736...to the 'authorized' number of 598.  How it bumped up from 598?  The chief answer is added mandates over the past five years (going into the Merkel era).  

The odd factor?  The controlling coalition (SPD, Greens and FDP).....say this is one of their top objectives and they openly say they agree to dump all the mandates.  But they haven't agreed to the 'method' of downsizing or how it would work in the details. 

3.  There's a discussion going on about Section 223 of the German Criminal Code ( anyone who intentionally physically abuses other people or causes damage to their health commits bodily harm)....in relationship to the use fireworks used at police or firemen.

The big discussion centers on the severity of the act.  

Section 224, which comes after this section.....implies 'dangerous' use, and it goes beyond a fine....224, if convicted on this charge....requires six months in jail (minimum).

In some cities....if the charges are brought up....it would appear the bulk of those will be 'new' Germans or migrant background, and this won't go well in the local communities.  

Adding to this burden....if the police did act on the situation and try to force an arrest....the likely culprit probably will hinder or try to escape the arrest....meaning a second charge (criminal code 113, evading arrest) gets added to the charges.  This is another one of those charges which can get you six months of time in jail.

In legal issues....this whole fireworks thing opens up a Pandora's Box.

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