Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Just Two Things You Notice

 1.  I sat and watched part of last night's public forum show on ARD (public TV in Germany, Channel 1)....'Hart Aber Fair' (Hard But Fair).

So the topic?  Cost of accepting refugees.

At some point, a district manager commented on his local issue.  His local small town had originally accepted around 25 refugees (in the summer). End of October, they were up to 45, and the facility will be absolutely maxed-out at 60.

His emphasis on comments? 'Forget integration.  We can no longer afford it.'

In simple terms....you start add up housing, teachers, extra services....the fed money to cover ALL costs?  It won't be adequate.

He has a point, but national politics is probably still not reaching this reality.

2.  The 49-Euro Bahn/bus ticket going into 2024?  Lot of chatter....still no firm idea if it can remain at 49-Euro (would require massive federal input of cash).

My humble guess?  I think it'll go to 59-Euro, and likely escalate in 2025 to 69-Euro.  

Locally, before all the Covid-BS....if you wanted the local (only) train/bus ticket for a month....it was in the 100-Euro range.  

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