Germany
Germany: Tens of thousands demonstrate against nationalism
By our correspondents, 22 May 2019
While many came to demonstrate against nationalism and racism, the organisers sought to mobilise support for pro-EU parties—the SPD, Greens and Left Party—a week before the European elections.
“The Threat of Fascism and How to Fight It”
Video: Christoph Vandreier’s full lecture at Wayne State
By Christoph Vandreier, 21 May 2019
The WSWS makes the full recording of Vandreier’s April 11, 2019 lecture available.
A socialist perspective against fascism and war: Successful SGP election meeting in Berlin
By our reporters, 21 May 2019
On Saturday, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) held its final meeting in Berlin for the European elections.
Socialist Equality Party holds rally in Berlin to demand freedom for Assange and Manning
By our reporters, 20 May 2019
Some 300 people attended the demonstration and heard greetings and speeches from representatives of the Socialist Equality Parties in Germany, Britain, the US and Australia.
Far-right Alternative for Germany sets the tone for German Grand Coalition government
By Johannes Stern, 20 May 2019
With its new legislative package, the grand coalition government of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD) is implementing the policy of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Bavarian State Regiment
German government prepares troops for domestic missions
By Tino Jacobson and Peter Schwarz, 18 May 2019
With the pilot project of a Bavarian “state regiment,” the German federal government is secretly and unconstitutionally creating an armed homeland security force.
Socialist Equality Party in Germany to hold central meeting of European election campaign in Berlin
By the Socialist Equality Party (SGP), 17 May 2019
Prior to the May 18 meeting, the SGP will organise a rally in front of the British Embassy in Berlin to demand the freedom of Julian Assange.
Pentagon threatens Europe over EU army plans
By Alex Lantier, 16 May 2019
The letter came amid mounting tensions between Washington and its European imperialist rivals over US war threats against Iran.
Torture report reveals German authorities’ brutal methods during deportations
By Marianne Arens, 16 May 2019
The Committee for the Prevention of Torture detailed methods that are both brutal and shocking.
Right-wing outcry over student protest against anti-Muslim “headscarf conference” at German university
16 May 2019
Legitimate criticisms of right-wing and racist positions are criminalised and denounced as “attacks on academic freedom” and “ideological terror.”
Germany: Siemens hives off energy and power plant division
By Elisabeth Zimmermann, 15 May 2019
Shareholders expect jobs and working conditions to be attacked and dismantled even faster than they have been in order to boost profit rates.
Students in Berlin support this Saturday’s rally to defend Julian Assange
By our reporter, 14 May 2019
SEP and IYSSE campaigners have distributed thousands of leaflets and put up hundreds of posters in workplaces, universities, and shopping centres to promote the “Freedom for Julian Assange” rally in Berlin.
IG Metall and Thyssenkrupp collaborate in handing over company to finance sharks
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 14 May 2019
Thyssenkrupp, with 160,000 employees worldwide, is to be transformed into a holding company and broken up, while the company’s most profitable segment, the elevator division, is to be outsourced and listed on the stock market.
German president calls for clampdown on freedom of speech, internet censorship at Berlin conference
By Johannes Stern, 14 May 2019
Ahead of the European elections on May 26, the ruling class aims to intensify internet censorship and silence critical viewpoints.
German Young Socialist leader unleashes storm of debate about socialism
By Peter Schwarz, 11 May 2019
Kühnert, an unscrupulous careerist, can only pose as a socialist because he relies on the inexperience and lack of knowledge of today’s young generation.
Germany’s far-right AfD exploits famous artwork to promote Islamophobia
By Sybille Fuchs, 10 May 2019
The use of the painting and its interpretation by the AfD is an amalgam of historical falsification, outright lies and racist agitation, which can quite rightly be compared with the techniques used by the Nazis.
“Unequal Germany”—new study examines regional differences
By Elisabeth Zimmermann, 10 May 2019
A key finding of the comprehensive study is that social and economic inequality has consolidated despite economic growth and employment growth in recent years.
A socialist perspective against the return of fascism in Europe
By Christoph Vandreier, 8 May 2019
We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 International May Day Online Rally delivered by Christoph Vandreier.
Germany: FDP Congress tacks to the right
By Peter Schwarz, 7 May 2019
The central message of the Congress was unmistakable: the Free Democrats advocate aggressive international expansion, more corporate deregulation and austerity for the working class.
The German ruling class fears the spectre of socialism
By Johannes Stern, 6 May 2019
What the ruling class fears is the growing social and political opposition of workers and young people, which is breaking out in Germany, Europe and around the world.
Berlin: Meeting held at Humboldt University to defend Julian Assange
By our reporters, 4 May 2019
On Tuesday, several dozen students and workers gathered at Humboldt University in Berlin to protest the persecution of Julian Assange and discuss the political and historical background to the attack on the courageous journalist.
German government backs attempted right-wing coup in Venezuela
By Johannes Stern, 3 May 2019
In a joint press release with the far-right Brazilian government, the German Foreign Ministry gave its unconditional backing to the criminal attempted coup in Venezuela.
May Day 2019 in Germany: Trade unions call for support for the European Union
By Ulrich Rippert, 2 May 2019
Instead of appealing for the international unity of workers, the German Trade Union Confederation calls for the unity of the government, big business and the European Union against workers.
”Dictatorships as alternative political orders?”—We say no!
Student Parliament at Humboldt University condemns Jörg Baberowski’s right-wing think tank
By the IYSSE at the Humboldt University, 30 April 2019
The StuPa resolution condemns not only the right-wing historian's dictatorship project, but also the efforts of the university administration to stifle broad student opposition.
“Socialism Event” in Germany: Pro-capitalist politics in a pseudo-left garb
By Johannes Stern, 30 April 2019
The pseudo-left tendencies within and around the Left Party are reacting to the growth of the international class struggle with a sharp turn to the right.
“Join the fight for a united socialist Europe!”
Socialist Equality Party (SGP) publishes campaign video for European Elections
By the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, 29 April 2019
The Socialist Equality Party (SGP), the German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, is running in the European elections to counter the rise of the extreme right, growing militarism and massive social inequality.
The European elections and the revival of class struggle
By Ulrich Rippert, 29 April 2019
The ruling class and its parties in Europe and Germany are responding to the growing radicalisation by closing ranks, working closer together and moving even further to the right.
Germany: SGP European election campaign wins support for Julian Assange in Stuttgart
By our reporters, 26 April 2019
Teams from the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) recently spoke with workers and youth in Stuttgart, inviting them to its April 27 election meeting and distributed WSWS material calling for freedom for Julian Assange.
Prosecution of German artists’ group dropped following mass protests
By Sybille Fuchs, 23 April 2019
Following a 17-month investigation, the prosecutor’s office in Gera has ceased its investigation into the activities of the group of performance artists known as the Centre for Political Beauty.
Bayer cuts 4,500 jobs in Germany
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 23 April 2019
Chemical giant Bayer AG is cutting 4,500 jobs in Germany, almost one in seven of its 32,000 positions in the country.
Germany’s IT Security Act 2.0: Another step towards a police state
By Wolfgang Weber, 22 April 2019
The German government’s new legislation must be seen in connection with the arrest of Julian Assange and his imminent extradition to the US.
European election: SGP holds its second campaign meeting in Frankfurt-Main
By our correspondents, 20 April 2019
In Frankfurt, SGP Chairman Ulrich Rippert highlighted the importance of the International Committee of the Fourth International and its perspective of a United Socialist States of Europe.
German government adopts new law to expand immigrant deportations
By Peter Schwarz, 19 April 2019
With its new law, the grand coalition is in effect enforcing the far-right policies of the Alternative for Germany.
Germany: SPD and Greens act as stooges for the far-right in Hamburg
By Sybille Fuchs, 19 April 2019
The coalition which controls the Hamburg Senate is acting as an extension of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) against anti-fascist students, teachers and parents.
Socialist Equality Party candidate in European elections appears on German TV
By our reporter, 18 April 2019
On Wednesday, Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei candidate Saravan Ratnamaheson was interviewed by Südwestrundfunk, one of Germany’s largest public TV stations.
Frankfurt students protest presence of far-right Alternative for Germany on university campus
By Marianne Arens, 18 April 2019
Defying protests by students, politicians from all of the establishment political parties, including the Left Party, shared a platform with Jörg Meuthen from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) at Frankfurt’s University for Applied Sciences.
Powerful start to German Socialist Equality Party campaign in European elections
By our reporters, 16 April 2019
On Sunday, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party—SGP) launched its campaign for the European elections at a meeting in Berlin. The speakers included leading members of the International Committee of the Fourth International in Britain and France in addition to leaders of the SGP.
German media denounce Assange
By Peter Schwarz, 15 April 2019
Reading the comments of the German media on the arrest of Julian Assange, one can only conclude that democracy and press freedom in Germany are in a dire state.
SGP Chairman Ulrich Rippert addresses free Assange rally in Berlin
13 April 2019
Ulrich Rippert, the chairman of the Socialist Equality Party, addressed a rally in front of the British embassy in Berlin, Germany, demanding the freedom of WikiLeaks Publisher Julian Assange.
German interior minister tables Intelligence Services “Enabling Act”
By Wolfgang Weber, 13 April 2019
The new law would provide the three intelligence agencies with almost unlimited powers to monitor and spy on domestic and foreign citizens.
040 SGP candidate interview on German TV
13 April 2019
Two giant German banks plan merger
By Gustav Kemper and Peter Schwarz, 12 April 2019
The German government is pushing for the combination of Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank to establish a financial behemoth capable of competing with the US and China.
Two giant German banks plan merger
By Gustav Kemper and Peter Schwarz, 11 April 2019
The German government is pushing for the combination of Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank to establish a financial behemoth capable of competing with the US and China.
Germany: Tens of thousands demonstrate in Berlin against high rents
By our reporters, 10 April 2019
The demand for the expropriation of real estate companies was at the centre of the demonstration and met with tremendous support among workers and young people.
German parliament celebrates 70 years of NATO and demands escalation of military rearmament
By Johannes Stern, 10 April 2019
Politicians from the governing and opposition parties took turns in hailing the largest military alliance in history and demanded an escalation of German rearmament.
Germany: State prosecutor persecutes artists group for criticising far-right AfD
By Justus Leicht and Peter Schwarz, 9 April 2019
For the past 16 months the prosecutor’s office in the city of Gera has been investigating an artistic association known as the Center for Political Beauty on suspicion of “forming a criminal organisation.”
One-day transport strike paralyses Berlin
By our reporters, 4 April 2019
Berlin public transport workers discussed building action committees and the political issues at stake during the 24-hour strike by thousands of BVG workers on Monday.
Germany assumes UN Security Council chair while accelerating rearmament
By Johannes Stern, 4 April 2019
Germany, which began a two-year term on the UN Security Council at the New Year, took over as chair of the body on Monday.
Thousands protest against German government’s brutal deportation policy
By our reporters, 2 April 2019
In Berlin and other German cities, more than 5,000 people protested on Saturday against Interior Minister Horst Seehofer’s attacks on refugees and their supporters .
Germany: Tens of thousands demonstrate against climate change
By Iason Stolpe, 2 April 2019
On March 29 around 25,000 demonstrated in Berlin alone. The main speaker in Berlin was the initiator of the protests, Greta Thunberg from Sweden.
Ford confirms its target of 5,000 layoffs in Germany
By Marianne Arens, 1 April 2019
The axing of 5,000 jobs is part of a global cost-cutting program by Ford intended to save up to $14 billion.
Germany: Links found between right-wing network inside army and police officer murdered by far-right terrorists
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 1 April 2019
According to research by weekly Die Zeit, the AfD parliamentary group employs at least 27 activists and supporters of right-wing organizations. Die Zeit speaks of a “Nazi network inside the German Bundestag.”
German Left Party passes anti-democratic police law in Brandenburg
By Gregor Link, 28 March 2019
The Left Party voted in the Brandenburg state legislature for a new police law that increases the repressive powers of the state.
Goodyear-Dunlop plans 1,100 job cuts in Germany
By Marianne Arens, 27 March 2019
The latest measure will cut over one-third of the workforce at two factories in the state of Hesse.
Neo-Nazi memorial service in Chemnitz, Germany
By Sven Wurm and Marianne Arens, 26 March 2019
A memorial service in the Chemnitz football stadium for a deceased neo-Nazi shows how closely the far-right scene, the establishment parties and state organs collaborate.
Two hundred attend meeting on the struggle against fascism at Leipzig Book Fair
By our reporters, 26 March 2019
David North and Christoph Vandreier addressed a Saturday public meeting on “The lessons of the 1930s and the struggle against the far right today,” organised by Mehring Verlag at the Leipzig Book Fair.
Students and workers speak on the threat of fascism at Leipzig meeting
By our reporters, 26 March 2019
World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke with some of the students and workers who attended Saturday’s public meeting, organized by Mehring Verlag.
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 9
Three Turkish films (A Tale of Three Sisters, Daughters of Two Worlds, Oray)—Hoping for a better life
By Bernd Reinhardt, 25 March 2019
Three films at the Berlinale exude a humanistic spirit of enlightenment and dialogue. They suggest that everyone, regardless of their ethnic, religious or cultural background, has the right to a better life.
Ford announces 5,000 job cuts in Germany
By Marianne Arens, 23 March 2019
The mass lay-offs are a component of Ford’s global onslaught on jobs known as the Fitness Programme, which aims to eliminate 25,000 jobs around the world.
Leipzig Book Fair: Mehring Verlag presents new German edition of The Heritage We Defend
By our correspondents, 23 March 2019
David North introduced the new German edition of The Heritage We Defend at the Leipzig Book Fair on Saturday.
“I think it’s the capitalists who are doing this”
Workers in Leipzig speak against the growth of the far-right
By our reporters, 22 March 2019
For the last two weeks, members of the SEP and IYSSE have been speaking with workers and youth throughout Leipzig about today’s meeting, “The lessons of the 1930s and the fight against the extreme right.”
London’s Foyles Bookshop: Attendees discuss UK launch of Why Are They Back?
By our reporters, 20 March 2019
World Socialist Web Site reporters spoke to attendees at the launch of the English-language edition of Why Are They Back? Historical Falsification, Political Conspiracy and the Return of Fascism in Germany at London’s Foyles bookshop.
Germany: 3,000 Bosch workers protest in Stuttgart against job cuts
By K. Nesan, 19 March 2019
The Bosch company is using the introduction of electric-powered autos to press ahead with the biggest job cuts in its history.
Socialist Equality Party of Germany certified to stand in European elections
By our reporter, 19 March 2019
The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party), German section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, will appear on the ballot throughout Germany in the May 26 European elections.
German government wants its own aircraft carrier
By Johannes Stern, 18 March 2019
The current German grand coalition’s military and rearmament plans leave no doubt that the ruling class is preparing once again for large-scale warfare.
Millions of students and youth march against climate change
By Bryan Dyne, 16 March 2019
The internationally coordinated protests, the largest in sixteen years, were organized in response to the failure of world governments and the ruling class to do anything to halt global warming.
Youth at global climate protests speak out on capitalism, socialism and scientific planning
By our reporters, 16 March 2019
Reporting teams from the World Socialist Web Site interviewed students who protested in countries around the world for action on climate change.
Mehring Books exhibits at London Book Fair
By our reporters, 16 March 2019
The Mehring Books stand attracted a great deal of attention and interest, and the association of Mehring Books with the heritage of Trotskyism and its concern with fundamental historical questions was apparent.
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 7
German films: Economic and social tensions on the rise
By Bernd Reinhardt, 16 March 2019
The pursuit of naked profit interests and government-imposed austerity dominate an ever broader swath of life. Some of the German films at this year’s Berlinale point to the consequences.
VW, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia
Jobs bloodbath in the global auto industry
By Jerry White, 15 March 2019
Recently announced cuts by VW are part of an ongoing jobs bloodbath in the global auto industry, aimed at satisfying the rapacious appetite of the financial oligarchy.
Volkswagen announces thousands of layoffs
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 14 March 2019
The slashing of up to 7,000 jobs by the world’s second largest automaker is part of an escalating assault on jobs throughout global auto industry.
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 6
God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya: A satire from Macedonia “between anger and melancholy”
By Verena Nees, 13 March 2019
This year’s Berlin International Film Festival once again presented a number of documentary and feature films from eastern and southeastern Europe. Some took a new and refreshing approach.
Socialist Equality Party files lawsuit against German secret service
By the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, 12 March 2019
The SGP calls on all individuals, organizations, and institutions that defend democratic rights to support the suit against the secret service’s attacks.
The Socialist Equality Party’s lawsuit against Germany’s secret service
By Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, 12 March 2019
The following lawsuit was submitted by lawyer Dr. Pier Stolle to the Berlin administrative court on 24 January against the Federal Interior Ministry.
What lies behind the campaign against famed conductor Daniel Barenboim?
By Clara Weiss, 12 March 2019
A central concern of the drive in Berlin against Barenboim must be his longstanding criticism of Israeli occupation and the oppression of the Palestinian people.
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 5
Slave labour and new forms of capitalist exploitation in the 21st century
By Stefan Steinberg, 11 March 2019
The 69th Berlin film festival took place against a background of growing working class militancy in Germany and worldwide.
Germany: Opposition growing among teachers, public sector workers to Verdi’s sell-out agreement
By Ulrich Rippert, 8 March 2019
The continuation of low-wage jobs in many parts of the public sector, including the care professions, education and childcare, will further exacerbate staff shortages and intensify workloads.
André Previn, versatile composer, conductor and pianist, dies at 89
By Fred Mazelis, 7 March 2019
Previn was often compared to Leonard Bernstein, for the breadth of his achievements and his insistence on appealing to a broad public.
Germany: Socialist Equality Party submits candidates for the European elections
By our reporters, 6 March 2019
On Monday, the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) submitted the final signatures for its participation in the European elections.
Socialist Equality Party April meeting series: “The Threat of Fascism and How to Fight it”
Christoph Vandreier, German Trotskyist and prominent opponent of fascism, to speak in US
By our reporters, 5 March 2019
Vandreier is the deputy national secretary of the Sozialistiche Gleichheitspartei (SGP) and author of the newly published book, Why are They Back? Historical Falsification, Political Conspiracy and the Return of Fascism in Germany.
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 4
Brecht: A new film about the famed left-wing German dramatist
By Stefan Steinberg, 5 March 2019
Interest in the playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956) is undergoing something of a revival.
Secret Service barred from making probe of far-right Alternative for Germany public
By Peter Schwarz, 4 March 2019
The Cologne Administrative Court has banned the Secret Service from publicly designating the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a “test case,” its lowest level of scrutiny.
Mass demonstration by public-sector workers in Berlin
By our reporters, 4 March 2019
Thousands of teachers and social workers in Berlin held a two-day warning strike last week.
Deportations from Germany to Maghreb states rise sharply
By Elisabeth Zimmermann, 2 March 2019
Deportations from Germany to the Maghreb states rose 35 percent in one year, and 14-fold since 2015.
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 3
Israeli films, Mr. Jones and Marighella
By Stefan Steinberg, 28 February 2019
This is the third in a series of articles on the recent Berlin International Film Festival, the Berlinale, held February 7-17, 2019. The first part was posted on February 15 and the second on February 22.
German aviation security workers reject union contract
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 25 February 2019
The 23,000 airport security workers have rejected the contract negotiated by the United Services Workers’ Union (Verdi).
New revelations of right-wing terrorist network in German army
By Gregor Link, 22 February 2019
A former member of the German army’s elite Commando Special Forces confirmed that a terrorist network within the German state apparatus is planning the murder of political opponents and a fascist revolt for “Day X.”
69th Berlin International Film Festival—Part 2
Midnight Traveler—“Sometimes life takes you through hell”
By Verena Nees, 22 February 2019
The film provides an authentic and moving portrayal of people just like us, who just happen to live in the wrong country at the wrong time.
Anti-Semitic and far-right violence on the rise in Germany
By Johannes Stern, 21 February 2019
Statistics shedding light on dangerous political developments in Germany were released over the past week.
German Left Party backs European Union
By Peter Schwarz, 21 February 2019
In advance of its congress this weekend, the Left Party (Die Linke) has removed all criticism of the European Union from its European election programme.
German government to tighten up deportations
By Marianne Arens, 19 February 2019
Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) has presented a 60-page bill on the deportation of refugees that bears the imprimatur of the far-right Alternative for Germany from start to finish.
Imperialist conflicts dominate Munich Security Conference
By Peter Schwarz, 18 February 2019
The Munich Security Conference, which ended yesterday, laid bare a capitalist world order rapidly breaking apart and heading for disaster.
Germany: Public transport strike paralyzes Berlin
By our reporters, 16 February 2019
For much of Friday, all subways and trams in the capital stood still and most buses remained in their depots.
Munich Security Conference
German defence minister advocates German-European war policy
By Johannes Stern, 16 February 2019
Almost 75 years after the end of World War II, the imperialist powers are openly preparing for a new round of military conflicts.
Munich Security Conference overshadowed by rising great power conflicts
By Peter Schwarz, 15 February 2019
The conference will be dominated by the preparations of the US and its allies for war against Russia and China, and the deepening conflicts between the Western allies.
Tens of thousands strike in Berlin against poor working conditions
By our reporters, 14 February 2019
Tens of thousands of public sector workers took part in a one-day strike in Berlin on Wednesday. More than 10,000 people marched to the Brandenburg Gate.
Germany: Social Democrats modernise austerity
By Peter Schwarz, 13 February 2019
The SPD passed the “Hartz IV” laws 14 years ago, implementing welfare “reforms” and laying the foundations for a huge low-pay sector and widespread poverty.
German army initiates military cooperation with Deutsche Bahn railway company
By Tino Jacobson, 12 February 2019
The railway company, 100 percent of which is controlled by the federal state, is increasingly being subordinated to the needs of German militarism and imperialism.
Attend March 17 London Book Launch of Why Are They Back?
12 February 2019
The English edition of Why Are They Back? Historical falsification, political conspiracy and the return of fascism in Germany will be launched by Mehring Books in London on Sunday, March 17.
German workers support rally against mass layoffs in Detroit
By our reporters, 9 February 2019
The WSWS received these messages of support for the February 9 demonstration from bus drivers, auto workers, and a tram mechanic.
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