Q-and-A

 1.  How peeved are French people over the rise in the retirement age (62 to 64)?

On a scale of one to ten....I'd say it's near a '8' at this point.  Nothing has lessened this week, and there are protests planned for the weekend....with the French cops out in full force.

Next French election (for the Presidency)?  Set for summer of 2027.  Could that election be formed around bringing the retirement age back to 62?  Well....I would hate to suggest it but it might be one of the top three issues of the campaign.

2.  How peeved is the German Green Party over accomplishments so far in this coalition?

Well....the top level of leadership for the party is disenchanted and openly blaming their partner...the FDP.

Next federal election?  Unless this gov't falls apart...Oct 2025.  Lot of Green voters are scratching their head.....there ought to be serious topics picked-up and resolved.  It's hurting the 'brand' of the Green Party with the current situation.

3.  WELT pointing out the arrival of a bunch of T-55 Russian tanks into the 'front'?

Yeah.  You were already seeing some back in late 2022.  If you were looking on video feed for the more modern Russian tanks (like the T-72/T-80/T-90)....there are still some that appear but it's less often.

The one positive thing....a lot of of the T-55 and T-62 types....went to the depot and there's plenty of parts to keep them running.  

4.  WELT and their 'clueless' article this AM?

WELT sat down and examined all this talk about forced renovation and the potential mandate to hype the heat pump business.  In the end....a fair number of rental properties will reach a stage where cost creates an enormous burden.

So imagine yourself owning a 1950s built home, that you rent out for 900 Euro a month.  This EU-potential mandate comes up for renovation comes, and at the same time....the heat pump deal occurs....laying a cost burden on you (the owner) for 50,000 Euro.

You go and tell the renter that his rent is doubling up next year.  Well...he freaks out.  He can't afford 1,800 Euro for the house.

So one of two things happen.  Either this guy and family go homeless, or the cost burden is such that he bankrupts himself.  Impact on housing market already in turmoil?  Massive issues will come.

As WELT suggests....the government is totally clueless about the consequences about to fall into place.