Just Interesting To Watch

 Today....three key things unfolded in Berlin....with the grid issue mixed into the chaos.

First, the mayor (Wegner, CDU)....finally put out (4th day) a precise 'we-got-this-done-to-this-point' message.  In terms of communicating and laying out accomplishments....up to this point, I'd give the guy a '5' (1-to-10). 

Second, Franziska Giffey....head of the SPD 2026 election efforts....put out her first election theme 'message', and it hits Wegner in a blunt way.  The SPD and CDU folks run a coalition city council, and up to this point....they were 'friendly'.  

Third, someone with a electrical background....pointed out that various parts of the Berlin grid...is working off technology based on 1950s/1960s/1970s.  I noted in the commentary....the general rule of replacement is a 40-to-60 year cycle....so they are about 20-to-30 years 'behind'.  Some commented about this being a DDR-era issue, but I'd point out the our 'quarters' in the mess....were all part of West-Berlin.

I suspect a big discussion will start up in the spring....Germany-wide....is the grid modern-and-updated, with the politicians admitting there are issues.

It's interesting to note....it's 36,000 km of cable stretched across Berlin....from the three levels/degrees of the grid.

One of the news folks pointed out....the massive manpower picture.  From the grid-repair guys....probably in the 300-to-400 range....working around the clock.   Police?   There's the regular city-police....but state and fed police (400 in number) have been brought in.  Then there's the Bundeswehr....with probably 200 to 300 (logistics,  soup-kitchens, etc).

But this has brought up the prep-topic.  Back in the Merkel days (ten years ago)....the Merkel folks wanted Germans to prepare for such an emergency....to have at least 7 days of food and 'extras'.  

Shortly after that theme  started....ZDF (public TV, Channel 2) got critical over the idea....suggesting this was an American dimwit-thing....'don't-be-a-prepper' message/attitude.  

I suspect a lot of Germans are viewing how badly this went, and a renewal of the prepper business will start up.   

Finally, for my negative view of E-cars....I was proven right....the grid is not 100-percent safe to go and assume I can always charge my car.