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Militarism in Germany

German chancellor calls for a “real European army”

By Johannes Stern, 16 November 2018

Merkel’s call for a “real European army” in Strasbourg underscores the reactionary traditions evoked by the ruling elites in Germany and Europe.

At least 200 soldiers in German Army neo-Nazi terror network

By Christopher Lehmann and Johannes Stern, 15 November 2018

The latest revelations suggest that at least 200 active duty and retired soldiers are involved in a neo-Nazi terror network that planned to assassinate political opponents.

German president defends alliance against November 1918 Revolution between Social Democrats and right-wing reaction

By Peter Schwarz, 14 November 2018

At a memorial meeting of the German parliament, President Steinmeier justified the suppression of the proletarian revolution of November 1918.

The armistice of November 11, 1918 and the lessons for today

By Nick Beams, 12 November 2018

The silencing of the guns 100 years ago was not the end of the bloodshed and carnage but was simply the conclusion of the first phase of what was to become a thirty-year international war between the major capitalist powers.

Hans-Georg Maassen: A right-wing extremist at the head of the German secret service

By Peter Schwarz, 7 November 2018

Recent developments have made clear that Germany’s secret service has been run by a right-wing extremist for the past six and a half years.

Germany: Der Spiegel idealises far-right leader Björn Höcke

By Peter Schwarz, 7 November 2018

The German weekly Der Spiegel has published a flattering portrait of Björn Höcke in its issue of October 27.

German Social Democrats demand right-wing replacement for Merkel

By Peter Schwarz, 5 November 2018

Leading figures in the Social Democratic Party have called for a right-wing candidate to become the new leader of their coalition partner, the Christian Democratic Union.

With Merkel’s withdrawal, German grand coalition accelerates lurch to the right

By Ulrich Rippert, 31 October 2018

The German Chancellor has made clear that despite mounting popular opposition, the grand coalition will intensify military rearmament, the police-state buildup and its ties to the extreme right.

Why are they back?

New title from Mehring Books explains resurgence of fascism in Germany

By our reporters, 19 October 2018

Author Christoph Vandreier presented the book in a well-attended lecture at the Frankfurt Book fair last Saturday.

Hitler’s resurrection in Germany

By Peter Schwarz, 12 October 2018

A column by Alternative for Germany (AfD) Chairman Alexander Gauland, based largely on a 1933 speech by Hitler, has been published in one of Germany’s most prominent newspapers.

German parliament president Schäuble advocates militarism and stepped-up state repression in “Unity Day” speech

By Ulrich Rippert, 5 October 2018

Since German reunification 28 years ago, October 3 has become a national holiday and served as a platform for leading state representatives to deliver speeches setting the course for the future.

German government celebrates “unity day” under the shadow of renewed neo-fascist movement

By Johannes Stern, 4 October 2018

The honeyed phrases of government politicians about a “united, democratic Germany” could not hide the fact that fascism once again menaces the country.

German neo-Nazi group arrested after far-right riot in Chemnitz

By Johannes Stern, 3 October 2018

State prosecutors in Saxony and Bavaria ordered the arrest of seven people on Monday on suspicion of forming a right-wing terrorist organisation.

German government agrees to arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia, fuelling war in Yemen

By Sven Heymann, 28 September 2018

The arms shipments to the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula are part of the strategic plans of the German ruling class, which wants to pursue its geopolitical goals by military means.

The neo-Nazi offensive in Germany and the role of historians

By Christoph Vandreier, 27 September 2018

The 52nd Historikertag (Historians’ Conference) September 25-28 in Münster takes place under conditions where historical questions have assumed immense significance.

Germany’s grand coalition promotes far-right secret service chief to state secretary

By Ulrich Rippert, 20 September 2018

The grand coalition has responded to mass protests against the AfD and its neo-fascist provocations by integrating the hated secret service president and his pro-AfD policy more directly into the government.

German government plans combat mission against Syria

By Johannes Stern, 12 September 2018

Behind the backs of the German people, the Grand Coalition government is preparing a massive combat mission against the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

German neo-Nazis attack Jewish restaurant during far-right riot in Chemnitz

By Alex Lantier, 11 September 2018

Police authorities in Saxony hushed up the attack against Schalom, which only came to light in media reports in Die Welt over the weekend.

Grand Coalition adopts plan for historic rearmament of German military forces

By Johannes Stern, 10 September 2018

Behind the backs of the population, the Grand Coalition of Christian Democrats and Social Democrats is planning a massive arms drive.

German Secret Service denies neo-Nazi violence in Chemnitz

By Johannes Stern, 10 September 2018

After thousands of neo-Nazis rampaged through the East German city of Chemnitz late last month, dominant sections of the German state and political establishment have come to the defence of the fascists.

Saxony’s minister president declares solidarity with far-right protests in Chemnitz

By Johannes Stern, 7 September 2018

Kretschmer called for a strong state, the intensification of the hardline anti-refugee policy, and the downplaying of the attacks on journalists, immigrants and the left.

Chemnitz and the call for a stronger state

By Peter Schwarz, 6 September 2018

After the recent right-wing extremist marches in Chemnitz, representatives of all Bundestag (parliamentary) parties are calling for the state to intervene.

The fight against fascism in Germany requires a socialist perspective

By the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, 4 September 2018

Moral outrage is not enough to stop the fascist mob: it is necessary to understand the political roots of its resurgence.

“In Germany, of all places, we should know better”

Tens of thousands protest across Germany against neo-Nazi violence in Chemnitz

By our reporters, 3 September 2018

Following a neo-Nazi rampage in Chemnitz last Sunday and Monday, tens of thousands have demonstrated across Germany against the far right.

Who is to blame for the neo-Nazi rampage in Chemnitz, Germany?

By Johannes Stern, 30 August 2018

Over 7,000 neo-Nazis marched through the streets of Chemnitz, attacking people they accused of being foreigners, chanting fascist slogans and giving Nazi salutes.

German Foreign Minister Maas sees Europe setting “red lines” for US conduct

By Ulrich Rippert and Peter Schwarz, 29 August 2018

More clearly than government officials have done so far, Maas describes the US as a major obstacle to a new German drive to become a world power again.

The German army’s new policy doctrine: Preparing for World War III

By Johannes Stern, 28 August 2018

The grand coalition and the entire German ruling elite are planning the massive rearmament of the army in preparation for major military operations.

Growing links between German right-wing extremists, police and state government in Saxony

By Sven Heymann, 27 August 2018

The media and establishment politicians are playing down the recent events in Dresden, or openly defending the actions of the police.

How the secret service and the far-right AfD control German politics

By Peter Schwarz, 24 August 2018

Meetings between secret service chief Hans-Georg Maaßen and senior AfD members make clear that the decision to target the Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is part of a right-wing conspiracy in the state apparatus.

Musicians’ group calls for shutdown of the German secret service

By Dietmar Henning, 23 August 2018

On Tuesday, the musicians group’ “Lebenslaute” concluded a two-day protest against the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), as the German secret service is called.

German Left Party leaders launch right-wing #Standup initiative

By Christoph Vandreier, 20 August 2018

The interviews of Lafontaine and Wagenknecht focus on anti-refugee agitation, the stirring up of nationalism and the call for German “independence.”

German government plans reintroduction of military conscription

By Noah Windstein, 9 August 2018

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party conference is scheduled to adopt a decision to reintroduce military service.

Defend the Student Council! Stop the right-wing conspiracy at Berlin’s Humboldt University

By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality and Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, 9 August 2018

The IYSSE and SGP condemn the attack by university President Sabine Kunst against the Student Council at Humboldt University and her complicity with the far-right Alternative for Germany.

Head of German secret service advised far-right Alternative for Germany

By Ulrich Rippert, 4 August 2018

The president of Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution met with then-AfD Chairperson Frauke Petry in 2015 to advise her on how to avoid surveillance by the state.

German right demands nuclear “weapons of mass extermination”

By Johannes Stern, 31 July 2018

The Welt am Sonntag, a leading German newspaper, has published an article demanding the creation of a nuclear arsenal.

Trump denounces Germany and Europe at NATO summit

By Alex Lantier, 12 July 2018

A month after the collapse of the G7 economic summit, diplomatic and military ties between Washington and the European Union are rapidly disintegrating.

German interior minister’s “Master Plan” for refugees: Internment camps and mass deportations

By Johannes Stern, 12 July 2018

With its “Migration Master Plan,” the grand coalition government has adopted the refugee policy of the far-right Alternative for Germany.

NATO, at war with itself, rearms for war with the world

By Andre Damon, 12 July 2018

All members of NATO reaffirmed their commitment to massive military rearmament, to be paid for with sweeping cuts to public infrastructure and attacks on the social position of the working class.

US-Europe conflicts erupt in run-up to NATO summit in Brussels

By Alex Lantier, 11 July 2018

A month after the G7 summit in Quebec broke down over Washington’s trade war measures, Trump and EU officials exchanged threats before today’s summit.

Refugees ensnared in European dragnet

By Johannes Stern and Andre Damon, 9 July 2018

Germany’s establishment parties have agreed to set up mass refugee internment camps inside the country, based on the criminal and racist immigration policies of the neo-fascists.

Billions for war and police-state repression in Germany’s grand coalition budget

By Johannes Stern, 6 July 2018

The most significant features of the budget plan include a major increase in military spending, the strengthening of domestic police state repression and measures to terrorise refugees.

German government crisis: The working class needs its own strategy against anti-refugee agitation, militarism and war

By Johannes Stern, 26 June 2018

The dispute between the CDU and the CSU is over how best to implement the reactionary program of the German grand coalition government in the face of growing popular opposition.

Rent by crisis, German government adopts far-right refugee policy

By Johannes Stern, 19 June 2018

The statements of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Interior Minister Horst Seehofer make clear that the grand coalition is adopting the refugee policy of the neo-fascist AfD.

The far right determine Europe’s refugee policy

By Peter Schwarz, 15 June 2018

Following the entry of extreme right-wing parties into the Austrian and Italian governments, the European Union and all other European governments are adopting their ruthless refugee policy.

Germany: AfD leader Gauland and the hypocritical response to Nazi rehabilitation

By Ulrich Rippert, 6 June 2018

At the weekend, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alexander Gauland again took up the right-wing propaganda campaign to gloss over and relativise the crimes of the Nazis.

Germany: Twenty-five years since the arson attack in Solingen

By Marianne Arens and Elisabeth Zimmermann, 30 May 2018

On Saturday, May 29, 1993, five members of the Gença family were killed in an arson attack carried out by far-right extremists in the town of Solingen.

“Never again!”

Tens of thousands protest in Berlin against far-right AfD

By our correspondents, 28 May 2018

Demonstrators said they were disgusted by the fascistic tirade against Muslim migrants delivered to the German parliament by AfD leader Alice Weidel.

Militarism and fascist demagogy in the German parliament

By Johannes Stern, 22 May 2018

The neo-fascist faction of the German parliament opened the first general debate of the legislative period with a racist tirade. This was simply ignored by Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has largely adopted the fascists’ refugee program.

Germany: Bavarian police law passed—a step toward a police state

By Wolfgang Weber, 22 May 2018

The new law eliminates the principle of the separation of the police and intelligence services and abolishes many individual liberties.

German militarization and Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal

By Johannes Stern, 15 May 2018

Following US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord, the German bourgeoisie is intensifying its campaign for militarism, rearmament, and war.

German defence minister calls for faster increase in military spending

By Johannes Stern, 9 May 2018

Since the government’s initial budget was announced last week, there has been an aggressive campaign in politics and the media with the aim of upgrading the German military much faster and more comperehensively.

Why is Germany’s far-right AfD championing Israel?

By Peter Schwarz, 4 May 2018

The recognition of Israel’s security interests has nothing to do with moral considerations arising from the Shoah.

Global military spending at record $1.7 trillion

By Niles Niemuth, 4 May 2018

After a quarter century of regional wars, the imperialist powers are rearming for a third world war to redivide the planet.

Germany: Grand coalition government discusses war budget

By Johannes Stern, 3 May 2018

While there is supposedly no money for social programmes, jobs, pensions and medical care, defence spending next year alone is set to rise by at least three billion euros.

German army rehearses for civil war

By Gregor Link, 2 May 2018

The deployment of the Bundeswehr domestically and the networking of civilian agencies with the police and military are part of a comprehensive rearmament offensive.

German military procure armed drones

By Gustav Kemper, 25 April 2018

Barely in office, the grand coalition is pushing ahead with its military upgrade plans. Eighteen major contracts should be awarded this year, each exceeding €25 million.

Germany’s pro-war Left Party postures as a “party of peace”

By Johannes Stern, 19 April 2018

The Left Party in Germany is trying to portray itself as an opponent of war in order to prevent a powerful anti-war movement from developing.

EU foreign ministers push for regime change in Damascus following Syria attack

By Peter Schwarz, 17 April 2018

Although the attack on Syria was in clear violation of international law, the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg explicitly endorsed it.

German government backs illegal attack on Syria

By Johannes Stern, 17 April 2018

The attack on Syria marks a new stage of imperialist aggression aimed not only at Syria but also at Russia.

US and imperialist allies launch strikes against Syria

By The World Socialist Web Site Editorial Board, 14 April 2018

All of the governments participating in this new onslaught are crisis-ridden and lack any electoral legitimacy.

War fever grips German media

By Peter Schwarz, 14 April 2018

Die Welt demanded the “eradication of the Assad regime” and the deployment of “hundreds of thousands of soldiers” to Syria to “in the worst case scenario, fight Russians and Iranians.”

Germany: Grand coalition starts national armament programme

By Johannes Stern, 13 April 2018

Barely in office, Germany’s grand coalition government has commenced its programme of massive rearmament as laid down in its coalition agreement.

German government supports war preparations against Syria

By Peter Schwarz, 12 April 2018

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Maas have made it clear that they unreservedly support US, French and British military action against Syria.

The new traditions of Germany’s armed forces: Hero-worship, militarism and war

By Johannes Stern, 4 April 2018

Defence Minister Ursula Von der Leyen’s speech reawakens the cult-like veneration of the fallen “war heroes” of the Kaiser’s Empire and of the period of the Nazis.

Germany’s grand coalition and the return of a police state

By Johannes Stern, 2 April 2018

The arrest of former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont March 25 demonstrates how far advanced the development of a police state is in Germany and across Europe.

German politicians question US-led campaign against Russia

By Johannes Stern, 29 March 2018

While London and Washington continue to further incite tensions with Russia over the Skripal case, criticism is mounting within the European Union over their aggressive stance towards Moscow.

Germany: Why is the taz newspaper defending the far-right ideologue Baberowski?

By Christoph Vandreier, 27 March 2018

The veteran journalist Edith Kresta has spoken out again “moral sectarianism” in relation to far-right positions and against the stigmatization of xenophobic prejudices.

German parliament follows in the tracks of the far-right Alternative for Germany

By Peter Schwarz, 24 March 2018

The central theme of the parliamentary debate on the new government’s programme was the limiting and deportation of refugees.

German chancellor’s government speech: Anti-refugee propaganda, rearmament and war

By Johannes Stern, 23 March 2018

In her typical lethargic and tedious style, Merkel presented the most reactionary German government programme since the end of the Second World War.

German grand coalition shifts sharply to the right

By Johannes Stern, 21 March 2018

The new government is stoking a racist atmosphere to further its programme of militarism, social attacks, and the strengthening of the repressive state apparatus.

New German foreign minister threatens Russia and intensifies militarism

By Johannes Stern, 17 March 2018

In his inaugural address, the new foreign minister stressed that the third grand coalition under Angela Merkel would accelerate Germany’s return to an aggressive foreign policy.

German grand coalition takes office as most right-wing government since 1945

By Peter Schwarz, 16 March 2018

Christian Democratic Union leader Angela Merkel was elected German chancellor for the fourth time Wednesday, almost six months after the federal election.

Germany: Merkel’s re-election and the fight against militarism, welfare cuts and dictatorship

By Johannes Stern, 15 March 2018

With the re-election of Angela Merkel, the most right-wing German government has taken office since the fall of the Third Reich.

Great power politics, militarism, increased deportations: The right-wing programme of Germany’s grand coalition

By Peter Schwarz, 14 March 2018

The ruling class of Germany is reacting to the crisis of the European Union by returning to the criminal methods it used in the past.

An Open letter from the International Youth and Students for Social Equality to the editors of German daily Tageszeitung

12 March 2018

The following letter was sent by the IYSSE to the editors of the German daily Tageszeitung, after it published a defence of right-wing extremist professor Jörg Baberowski and defamed his critics.

Germany: The new Social Democratic ministers

By Peter Schwarz, 10 March 2018

The SPD will play a key role in the new cabinet, after rank-and- file members approved the right-wing coalition agreement by a clear two-thirds majority.

Germany: Grand coalition expands foreign operations in Afghanistan and Iraq

By Johannes Stern, 8 March 2018

No sooner had the membership of the SPD voted for the continuation of the government alliance with the CDU/CSU, plans for new military operations were announced.

German Green Party-aligned newspaper defends far-right Professor Baberowski

International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), 6 March 2018

The Tageszeitung, a daily close to the German Green Party, dedicated its weekend edition to a frontal attack on the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE).

Germany: The membership vote and the war policy of the SPD

By Ulrich Rippert, 3 March 2018

The massive pressure the SPD leadership has exerted on its members is part of a political conspiracy to implement a militaristic program.

German defence minister confirms grand coalition’s rearmament plans

By Johannes Stern, 1 March 2018

Ursula von der Leyen made clear in a recent interview what the central tasks of Germany’s incoming government will be: a major rearmament programme and the waging of war.

German Left Party voices support for military rearmament and war

By Johannes Stern, 26 February 2018

Left Party representative Stefan Liebich greeted the war speech of Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) at the Munich Security Conference.

German Chancellor promotes rearmament and war in speech to parliament

By Johannes Stern, 24 February 2018

Merkel made clear that the incoming grand coalition will implement a massive military build-up, a new round of social austerity and adopt the far-right’s policies on refugees.

Report by German armed forces commissioner prompts calls for rearmament

By Peter Schwarz, 23 February 2018

The annual report sets the stage for a massive expansion of military spending on the part of the incoming grand coalition government.

The 2018 Munich Security Conference and the emerging conflict between the US and Europe

By Alex Lantier, 22 February 2018

This weekend's conference was dominated by rising, potentially violent conflict between the major powers, notably the United States and Europe.

The Munich Security Conference and Germany’s return to world power politics

By Peter Schwarz, 21 February 2018

The interventions of the German defence and foreign ministers at the conference show that the central aim of the new grand coalition government will be to accelerate Germany’s return to militarism and great power politics.

Munich Security Conference threatens war on all fronts

By Chris Marsden, 19 February 2018

Washington led the pack in bellicosity towards Syria and North Korea, tied to allegations of Russian and Chinese culpability.

German defence minister delivers war-mongering speech at Munich Security Conference

By Johannes Stern, 19 February 2018

A rearmament offensive is being prepared, comparable only to that of Hitler’s Wehrmacht in the 1930s.

War clouds gather over Munich Security Conference

By Peter Schwarz, 16 February 2018

The central issue being discussed by the high-ranking attendees at the conference is how the assembled great powers, and the Europeans in particular, can rearm to prepare for war.

Germany: The coalition agreement and the return of militarism

By Ulrich Rippert, 15 February 2018

Important sections of the coalition pact between the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats agreed last week bear the imprint of the top military brass.

German government plans massive military expansion in Iraq

By Johannes Stern, 13 February 2018

Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced the build-up in the course of her trip to the Middle East last weekend.

New NATO headquarters planned in Germany

By Johannes Stern, 12 February 2018

With a new NATO headquarters, Germany would be even more strongly involved in NATO preparations for war against Russia.

Reject German coalition pact! Make public all secret agreements!

Statement of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, 10 February 2018

The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) demands the publication of all secret protocols and lists of participants in the coalition talks, which have laid the basis for the coming to power of the most right-wing government since the downfall of the Nazis.