In Germany, public sector union Verdi is set to engage in a pivotal fourth round of negotiations regarding pay and working conditions for approximately 2.5 million public workers. Following previous unsuccessful discussions marked by strikes across various sectors, mediators have proposed a 3% pay rise starting April 1st, escalating to 2.8% by May 2026, alongside additional holiday benefits. The upcoming talks scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Potsdam are crucial, as failure to agree may lead Verdi to seek a members’ vote for unlimited strikes.
The German Interior Ministry recently reported significant progress in curbing irregular immigration, with lower asylum applications and increased deportations. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted that applications in the first two months of 2023 saw a 43% drop compared to last year, citing over 20,000 deportations in 2022. Amidst rising concerns over migration ahead of elections, the far-right AfD capitalised on public sentiment, while coalition negotiations with the centre-left SPD presented differing approaches to immigration policy.
In a notable political incident, the European Parliament has removed the immunity of German far-right lawmaker Petr Bystron, investigating him for sharing a photo montage that evoked a Nazi salute. This decision follows his controversial social media post featuring politicians mimicking the salute, sparked during a diplomatic crisis with Ukraine. Despite being elected to the European Parliament, Bystron’s past convictions regarding propaganda allegations remain a point of contention.
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Putin for stalling negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine. Following attacks on Ukrainian civilians, she emphasised that true peace can only follow an acknowledgment from Putin that the war cannot be won. Although Ukraine recently accepted a ceasefire proposal, the Kremlin’s stance complicates peace efforts, especially after Trump’s controversial diplomacy with Russia.
On another front, Berlin authorities aim to deport four foreign nationals linked to pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns over political persecution. Internal communications reportedly reveal pressures to proceed with deportations, despite the lack of serious criminal charges against them. The potential deportees include EU citizens and a US trans citizen, who fears returning home due to safety issues, drawing parallels to historical suppressive actions against social movements during the Trump presidency.
On April 5th, Verdi will negotiate pay for 2.5 million public sector workers amid proposed increases. Meanwhile, Germany has seen a drop in asylum applications and an uptick in deportations, with the far-right gaining influence. The European Parliament has stripped immunity from lawmaker Petr Bystron over a Nazi salute montage, while Foreign Minister Baerbock criticises Putin for halting Ukraine talks. Additionally, Berlin seeks to deport foreigners due to protest affiliations, highlighting concerns over political persecution.
The current political landscape in Germany showcases intense negotiations for public sector pay, significant shifts in immigration policy, and controversies surrounding political actions. The outcome of Verdi’s discussions could reshape public sector conditions, while the government’s hardline approach to immigration continues to stoke political divides. International relations remain tense, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s situation and domestic reactions to political dissenters. Overall, these developments paint a portrait of a nation grappling with its identity and responsibilities in a changing world.
Original Source: www.thelocal.de
