Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Twelve German News Stories

 1. Regionally (around Frankfurt/Wiesbaden), the train/bus folks are talking about a 8-percent rise in regular tickets, which is a major rate change.  

Won't affect the 49-Euro ticket (yet), but will come up eventually.

Present 1-way ticket in Mainz/Wiesbaden area is 3.30 Euro for an adult.  A day-pass (all day travel) is 6.60 Euro within the 'zone'.

2.  Some analysis done here in the state of Hessen....lot of Germans are moving from urban centers....to towns of 5,000.  Rural aspects draw folks.

3.  Polling done by FORSA survey folks.....large majority of Germans say the criminal handling of Last Generation activists....is correct.

4.  On political trend polling, AfD is now at 17 percent.  Probably reaching a point where it worries 'center-left/center-right'.  

5.  Polling done on the draft heating act...mandating heat-pump installation in Germany.  Only 21-percent say it's right....76-percent say 'NO', they don't want it.

6.  Interior Minister says more controls/audits will be done at the Polish border....dedicating more of the national police to check passports.

7. Some national warning starting up....retirement homes are in serious financial jeopardy.....some probably will go bankrupt.  Likely to crank up some type of national emergency.

8.  German embassy operations in Russia....downsizing.  Some anticipation of 'trouble'.

9.  3,000 Russians so far in 2023 (mostly guys) have applied for German asylum.

10.  Court in Leipzig has wrapped up a criminal case of a left-wing group.  Decision will be announced mid-day today.  Case has been going on for several years.  Accused had significant assaults against right-wing protesters in 2018 to 2020.  

Some chatter suggests that the police are worried that several demonstrations will occur, and violence might erupt.

Prosecution was asking for a 8-year sentence for the leader (young lady, 28).  What is being openly discussed....Antifa across Europe will react, and police expect trouble.

11.  Interesting show from last night on Pro7 network about cannabis legalization in Germany, with Jenke von Wilmsdorff.  Title?  "Cannabis for everyone?".  Basic theme....is it a right to allow it.

After viewing it, I'll say that whatever the government 'thinks' will occur....will lead to more criminal involvement in the end.  

Zero doubt that legalization will happen by early spring 2024 in Germany.  What follows?  Probably a mess to clean up within three years.

12.  At present, for the 49-Euro deal for monthly Bahn (railway) travel.....10-million tickets have been activated.  I'd say folks are fairly positive about the cost factor and arrangement.

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