Germany
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.
Students block right-wing think tank on “Dictatorship Research” at Berlin’s Humboldt University
By 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.
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
By 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.
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.
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.
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