Germany
Germany: Plans to break up ThyssenKrupp take shape
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 19 August 2019
The ThyssenKrupp Group is accelerating its offensive against its 160,000-strong workforce.
German daily defends right-wing extremist professor Jörg Baberowski
By Johannes Stern, 19 August 2019
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung is outraged because students at Humboldt University in Berlin blocked plans to establish a centre for research into dictatorships.
German film prize goes to Margarethe von Trotta, director of Rosa Luxemburg (1986) and Rosenstrasse (2003)
By Bernd Reinhardt, 19 August 2019
Margarethe von Trotta (Rosa Luxemburg, Rosenstrasse, Hannah Arendt) is one of the most important German filmmakers of the postwar period.
German Greens prepare for participation in government
By Peter Schwarz, 17 August 2019
Fourteen years after the failure of the first Social Democrat-Green Party government, the Greens are being considered as a viable party of government in Germany once again.
Wall Street plunges on fears of global recession
By Nick Beams, 15 August 2019
Amid growing concerns that low interest rates and “quantitative easing” will not be enough to stave off a new global downturn, there is a deep fear in ruling circles of mounting opposition in the working class.
Three-star general stands for far-right Alternative for Germany in mayoral election
By Christopher Lehmann, 14 August 2019
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has selected Joachim Wundrak, a former Luftwaffe lieutenant-general, as its candidate for the Hannover mayoral election on October 27.
The German media and Julian Assange: Silence and slander
By Gregor Link and Johannes Stern, 13 August 2019
Over a week after a US federal court threw out a civil case brought by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) against Julian Assange, the German media has been dominated by an embarrassed silence.
German government and Greens promote military mission in Persian Gulf
By Johannes Stern, 10 August 2019
The German ruling class is intensifying its campaign for a European war mission in the Persian Gulf. Especially aggressive are the leaders of the Green party.
020 German government and Greens promote military mission in Persian Gulf
9 August 2019
What lies behind the fatal attack at Frankfurt Central Rail Station?
By Sven Wurm, 8 August 2019
While the media and establishment politicians stoke up racism and call for borders to be tightened, the suspect’s background indicates a severe psychological disorder.
What is the German secret service concealing about the Lübcke murder?
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 6 August 2019
New facts connected to the murder of the Kassel district president reveal the close links between right-wing terrorism and the secret service.
Study calls for closure of over half all health clinics in Germany
By Tino Jacobson and Markus Salzmann, 5 August 2019
With the argument that only the closure of clinics can achieve more staffing, better equipment and higher quality, the report calls for the closure of 800 of Germany’s 1,400 hospitals.
Forty years since first German broadcast of the “Holocaust” series
By Clara Weiss, 5 August 2019
Under conditions of an international resurgence of fascist forces, the series, which had an enormous impact in West Germany in 1979, has lost none of its relevance.
German auto supplier Eisenmann files for bankruptcy
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 3 August 2019
The family-owned company in Baden-Württemberg employs 3,000 workers at 27 locations in 15 countries.
Berlin’s Jewish Museum director Peter Schäfer forced to resign
By Verena Nees, 2 August 2019
The campaign against alleged “left” anti-Semitism and the BDS boycott movement serves to suppress leftist movements and fuel genuine anti-Semitism.
German politicians and media urge military action in the Persian Gulf
By Ulrich Rippert and Peter Schwarz, 1 August 2019
The more the US pushes ahead with its preparations for war against Iran, the louder the voices will become in Europe that are pushing for military action.
Die Zeit editor Jochen Bittner condemns “German pacifism”
By Johannes Stern, 31 July 2019
An op-ed by Bittner in the New York Times treats the German population’s aversion to war as a problem to be overcome.
Germany: New defence minister demands more money, recognition for the armed forces
By Ulrich Rippert, 30 July 2019
The change at the top of the Defence Ministry is linked to an intense campaign for military rearmament.
30 July 2019
New draconian police law introduced in Germany
By Tino Jacobson and Marianne Arens, 29 July 2019
With its new police law, the state government of the SPD and CDU is covering up the activities of far-right forces and at the same time implementing AfD policy.
German government uses 75th anniversary of plot to kill Hitler to promote rearmament and war
By Johannes Stern, 27 July 2019
It is only logical that the German ruling class hails the assassins of July 20, who were extreme nationalists and deeply involved in Nazi crimes.
Germany: Racist assassination attempt on Eritrean man
By Marianne Arens, 26 July 2019
On Monday a man from Eritrea was gunned down on the street and seriously injured in the town of Wächtersbach in the state of Hesse.
Stop the right-wing conspiracy! Defend the SGP against the Verfassungsschutz secret service!
Socialist Equality Party (Germany), 26 July 2019
The German Verfassungsschutz has produced a 56-page response to the lawsuit filed by the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party—SGP) challenging its official designation as a “left-wing extremist” organisation subject to state surveillance. The government’s response is an angry diatribe against Marxism and every form of socialist and progressive thought.
Modern art in Germany and the Nazis Part 2: The Die Brücke painters
By Sybille Fuchs, 26 July 2019
The exhibition at the Brücke Museum represents a welcome change in favour of art appreciation based on a critical examination of contemporary history.
Modern art in Germany and the Nazis, Part 1: Emil Nolde
By Sybille Fuchs and Stefan Steinberg, 24 July 2019
Two art exhibitions currently running in Berlin raise important questions about the relationship of certain modern artists to the Nazi regime.
24 July 2019
German automaker Opel to cut a further 1,100 jobs
By Marianne Arens, 23 July 2019
Shortly before the plants closed for the summer holiday, news emerged that 1,100 jobs will be cut in Rüsselsheim, Eisenach and Kaiserslautern.
22 July 2019
German Christian Democrat leader Kramp-Karrenbauer to become new defence minister
By Ulrich Rippert, 19 July 2019
The decision part of a shift to the right characterised by a vast programme of military rearmament.
German Defence Minister to become EU Commission president
By Peter Schwarz, 17 July 2019
For the first time since 1958, a German politician will occupy the most powerful office in the European Union.
Deutsche Bank to eliminate one in five jobs
By Gustav Kemper and Peter Schwarz, 17 July 2019
Employees are now paying the price for the bank’s criminal activities over the last 30 years.
New report confirms Germany’s deep-seated inequality
By Marianne Arens, 17 July 2019
The findings of the “Germany Atlas” reveal deep divisions, between West and East Germany, and also between the country’s southern and northern.
IYSSE wins seat in student parliament at Institute of Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany
the IYSSE group at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 16 July 2019
The IYSSE’s electoral success shows widespread opposition to militarism, war and the rise of the far-right and the growing support for a socialist perspective.
Germany’s Grand Coalition intensifies war policy in the Middle East
By Johannes Stern, 12 July 2019
The German government wants to step up the German army’s war mission in Syria.
Germany: How a right-wing conspiracy in the state apparatus is suppressing the investigation of the Lübcke murder case
By Ulrich Rippert, 12 July 2019
Every effort is being made to cover up the close involvement of Lübcke’s assassin with a far-right terrorist network that reaches deep into the secret services and the state apparatus.
Refugee death toll rises in Mediterranean Sea graveyard
By Marianne Arens, 11 July 2019
The courageous action of ship captain Carola Rackete has again focused public attention on the plight of refugees seeking to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.
Charité at War: A chilling portrayal of Nazism and its crimes
By Joanne Laurier, 11 July 2019
Charité at War is a German television drama, set in the years 1943 to 1945 at Berlin’s Charité hospital, one of the most prominent in Europe. The series depicts life under Nazi rule.
Germany: Riva steelworkers in Trier and Horath on strike for four weeks
By Marianne Arens, 9 July 2019
Workers are fighting against the wage dumping of parent company Riva Stahl, which is trying to pit them against the rest of the workforce to force down wages.
Massive forest fire in Germany exposes deadly legacy of World War II
By Marianne Arens, 8 July 2019
The forest area near Lübtheen is not the only one littered with old munitions: in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania alone, 38,000 hectares are contaminated with munitions.
Germany: Following the murder of politician Walter Lübcke—the call for a strong state
By Johannes Stern, 6 July 2019
The 2018 report by the secret service again describes the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei as “left-wing extremist” and an “object for surveillance.”
German minister of defence to head European Commission
By Peter Schwarz, 4 July 2019
The proposal is aimed at developing the European Union into a military superpower under German-French domination .
Germany’s Deutsche Bank slashes 20,000 jobs
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 4 July 2019
The plans confirm that workers in the service and banking sectors, like their counterparts in industry, are paying for the preparations for trade war and military conflict.
Statement of the IYSSE Karlsruhe: Against militarism, fascism and war! For socialism! Vote IYSSE!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 4 July 2019
The Trotskyist youth movement is running two candidates in the elections for the Student Parliament in at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
German IG Metall trade union promotes trade war at rally in Berlin
By Hendrik Paul, 3 July 2019
Germany’s biggest trade union used the demonstration to bang the drum for trade warfare, to promote nationalism and prepare the way for mass job losses.
The global war on refugees
By Will Morrow, 3 July 2019
All over the world, immigrants are being systematically persecuted by capitalist governments, which are increasingly adopting the policies of the extreme right.
240 IYSSE Karlsruhe election statement
3 July 2019
Students block right-wing think tank on “Dictatorship Research” at Berlin’s Humboldt University
International Youth and Students for Social Equality at Humboldt University, 29 June 2019
The attempt of far-right professor and Eastern European historian Jörg Baberowski to set up a think tank at Humboldt University has failed.
Lübcke’s murderer was part of vast underground German neo-Nazi terrorist network
By Johannes Stern, 28 June 2019
Stephen Ernst, the assassin of CDU politician Walter Lübcke, acted as part of a neo-Nazi network with close ties to the right-wing terrorist National Socialist Underground.
Two German fighter jets collide in midair during practice flight
By Marianne Arens, 28 June 2019
Following the collision of two fighter planes, which resulted in the death of one pilot, German media outlets expressed their outrage at the lack of patriotism in the response of the population.
Siemens cuts another 2,700 jobs in the energy sector
By Elisabeth Zimmermann, 26 June 2019
Shareholders are demanding that attacks on jobs and working conditions be stepped up in the name of increasing profits.
Fridays for Future: Tens of thousands demonstrate on climate change in Aachen, Germany
By our reporters, 26 June 2019
Under the slogan, “Climate Justice Without Borders—United for a Future,” about 40,000 young people in Aachen demanded a rapid shutdown of coal-fired power plants and other measures.
The Lübcke murder and the return of the “Nazi problem” in Germany
By Johannes Stern, 25 June 2019
The far-right murder of German politician Walter Lübcke has exposed the dirty truth of German politics: Nearly 75 years after the end of World War II and the downfall of Hitler’s Third Reich, Germany once again has a real Nazi problem.
Far-right German police arrested for hoarding ammunition
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 24 June 2019
Although the authorities were aware of the activities of police officers involved in far-right networks two years ago, the group was allowed to continue unhindered.
Who was behind the murder of German politician Walter Lübcke?
By Peter Schwarz, 22 June 2019
Following the arrest of neo-Nazi Stephan Ernst, who has a lengthy criminal record, as the prime suspect in the case, witnesses have suggested that additional individuals participated in the crime.
EU powers build joint “Future Combat Air System”
European Union rearms for World War III
By Johannes Stern, 21 June 2019
At the Le Bourget air show the defence ministers of Germany, France and Spain signed major agreements to develop a joint European air combat system.
014 Latest revelations surrounding the murder of Lübcke
21 June 2019
Punk band files lawsuit against surveillance by German intelligence agency
By Martin Nowak, 20 June 2019
The injunction seeks to ensure that the 2018 intelligence agency report, which lists the band in the category “left-wing extremist music scene,” should no longer be published.
The murder of German politician Walter Lübcke: A warning
By Peter Schwarz, 19 June 2019
The assassination of Lübcke has exposed the dirty secret of German politics: the systematic promotion of right-wing extremist forces by the state and the ruling elite.
The murder of Walter Lübcke and the right-wing terror networks in the German state apparatus
By Johannes Stern and Peter Schwarz, 18 June 2019
The murder of Lübcke, who became a target of the extreme right after he defended refugees in 2015, is the outcome of the systematic rehabilitation of fascist politics by the ruling class.
Left Party to enter state government in West Germany for the first time
By Peter Schwarz, 17 June 2019
Following the recent defeat of the SPD and Greens in Bremen, the Left Party is securing both parties a majority and joining the state government to continue their despised policies.
German police threaten climate change protesters
By Harold Hambacher, 17 June 2019
Police are treating youth concerned about climate change like criminals.
Germany: Protest vigil in Dusseldorf demands release of Julian Assange
By our reporters, 17 June 2019
“Assange’s surrender to the US would mean that war crimes, spying on the population, or government intrigues and conspiracies would no longer be reported.”
Austrian billionaire takes over leading German chain store
By Marianne Arens, 15 June 2019
The takeover by René Benko of the major German department store chain Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof will result in more branch closures and cuts to jobs and wages.
Germany: Former union official at Porsche cashes in with €500,000 annual salary
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 12 June 2019
Hück’s trajectory exposes the true character of the Social Democratic Party and its trade union allies.
German parliament passes draconian deportation law
By Peter Schwarz, 12 June 2019
The new law against refugees and immigrants is an integral part of an attack on the democratic rights of the entire working class.
“Dictatorships as alternative orders”: Not on our watch
Berlin’s Humboldt University plans to finance right-wing think tank
the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 12 June 2019
Humboldt University's Academic Senate will decide on June 18 whether to finance a think tank on dictatorships initiated by the right-wing extremist professor Jörg Baberowski.
German Interior Ministry attacks press freedom
By Gregor Link, 11 June 2019
Under the guise of the new secret service law, the uncovering of state crimes and preparations for dictatorship in Germany is now to be criminalized.
Despite decline in vote
Far-right Alternative for Germany wins European election in eastern Germany
By Martin Nowak, 8 June 2019
Voters in eastern Germany showed their strong opposition to the established political parties in the European elections held May 26.
Students at Dresden School of Art protest against the far-right AfD
By Martin Nowak, 8 June 2019
The trigger for the protests was the candidacy of library director Barbara Lenk for the AfD in a local election
Strong indications of right-wing extremist involvement in murder of German regional politician
By Peter Schwarz, 6 June 2019
Walter Lübcke, a regional German politician in the city of Kassel, Hesse, was murdered after receiving death threats from the far right.
German government defends right-wing extremist Professor Jörg Baberowski
By Johannes Stern, 5 June 2019
The government's open partisanship for Baberowski confirms the warnings of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) and the World Socialist Web Site.
German Social Democratic Party leader Nahles resigns
By Peter Schwarz, 4 June 2019
The crisis in the SPD leadership is the latest stage in the decline of a party that has gone through 15 party leaders since 1987.
Germany: Investigation into October Festival bombing to be concluded
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 4 June 2019
After the bombing attack, the investigating authorities sought to bury the links between the bomber and neo-Nazi and far right terrorist networks.
Pompeo visit exposes deepening tensions between Germany and US
By Peter Schwarz, 3 June 2019
In his visit to Berlin, US Secretary of State Pompeo reiterated long-standing differences and restated Washington's threats against Germany.
Germany: Left Party suffers massive vote loss in European elections
By Gregor Link, 1 June 2019
The Left Party is rightly perceived, not as an opposition to the reactionary policies of the German government, but as part of them.
The German government prepares military intervention in Syria
By Peter Schwarz, 31 May 2019
Military support of a “safe zone” in northern Syria would mean a massive escalation of Germany’s participation in the Syrian war.
Following European elections: EU summit haggles over top jobs
By Peter Schwarz, 31 May 2019
The European heads of government met for a summit in Brussels on Tuesday to discuss the future leading personnel in the European Union.
The European elections and the resurgence of the class struggle
By Alex Lantier, 30 May 2019
The EU elections revealed the deep discrediting of the political establishment and its imperviousness to growing demands from the working class for political change.
Successful book presentation of Why Are They Back? at the Heinrich Böll Library in Berlin
By our reporter, 30 May 2019
“The return of fascism, of authoritarian rule, of dictatorship and war is an international phenomenon,” the book’s author, SGP Deputy National Secretary Christoph Vandreier, stressed.
European elections: German voters register strong opposition to grand coalition
By Ulrich Rippert, 29 May 2019
German voters’ anger over unbearable working conditions, rising rents and the growth of militarism could find no political expression within the framework of the EU elections.
205 Presentation of "Why Are They Back?" at the Heinrich Böll Library
28 May 2019
Ruling conservatives, social democrats collapse in EU elections
By Alex Lantier, 27 May 2019
In Germany, France, Britain and other countries across Europe, these parties that once formed a duopoly dominating the parliament failed to win 50 percent of the vote combined.
Ford workers in Germany discuss impending job cuts with SGP candidate
By Dietmar Gaisenkersting, 27 May 2019
Dietmar Gaisenkersting, European election candidate of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, spoke to Ford workers about the need for a socialist program to coordinate an international fight back.
German Fridays for Future protesters discuss overthrowing capitalism
By our reporters, 27 May 2019
Tens of thousands of young people once again took to the streets across Germany on Friday to protest against climate change.
German Social Democrats and “The Left” strengthen domestic security agency
By Markus Salzmann, 25 May 2019
In addition to an increase in domestic secret service staff, the state government wants to strengthen the use of police informers and limit parliamentary control.
Germany continues deportations to Afghanistan
By Marianne Arens, 25 May 2019
Just days before the European elections, the charter flight to the war-torn country exposes the deadly practice carried out by both the federal and state governments.
SGP European election candidate Andreas Niklaus speaks to Berlin bus drivers
“A war must be prevented at all costs”
By our reporters, 25 May 2019
Discussions revolved around the connection between the growing danger of a third world war, the policies of the federal government, and the cementing of austerity programmes
German government steps up military intervention in Mali
By Gregor Link, 23 May 2019
Berlin’s Africa Strategy is aimed at advancing its economic and geo-strategic interests by military means.
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.
15 May 2019
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