The term “Sommerloch” (summer hole) is an apt description for the abrupt arrival of the German summer holiday season. Why does is it feel like all of Germany is on holiday in August, and what happens to those still stuck at work?
All tagged Bundestag
An Unhelpful Comparison
Constant comparison can make it difficult to live in a different country, but when it comes to politics, I find it hard to avoid. Is it ever helpful to compare the politics of Germany with those of the UK, and why might this annoy people from both countries?
Unfit by Comparison
Olaf Scholz was sworn in on Wednesday, at the same time as he was being congratulated by both friends and foes, 1000 km away in Westminster a very different leader was facing the music. They may be polar opposites, but what can the Ampel-Koalition in Germany tell us about the dumpster fire of British government?
A Lonely Glühwein to Joshua Kimmich
According to Bavaria’s Minister President Markus Söder, we are in a pandemic “time loop”. It’s hard to tell whether we’re in 2020 or 2021 as infections and hospitalisations soar. How did we end up here, what’s that got to do with Joshua Kimmich and why might Germany be suffering under a tyranny of idiocy?
Keeping It Conservative
Months ago it looked like Germany was preparing for serious political change. The Green Party was surging ahead in the polls. However, minor scandals, attacks from rivals and media scrutiny have cast doubts. Will German voters opt for more of the same?
Everybody loves Angela
Angela Merkel is often praised as a progressive leader, usually from those outside the country. The ‘Merkel is a progressive’ meme is powerful in the English speaking world, but does that mean it’s true? How progressive is the German chancellor, and if so, shouldn’t there be more progress?
New Arrivals
Child birth is a weird experience at any time, but perhaps even weirder during a global pandemic. Would the lock-down wreak havoc and was television an accurate guide to what would happen next?
Who would want to be President?
Germany has a new President, but should we be worried that he has never been on reality TV?