German Politics Thread

Yeah, if the main priority is getting the asshole out of that position ASAP, I can see how getting him immediately Kicked Upstairs as opposed to going through a lengthy firing process might be an okay compromise.

The Question now is who they get to replace him.

I assume just another Union Apparatchiks who hasn't dumped INT quite so hard.

If we look at Maassen's CV, probably someone who has done a long career in similar fields.

I am actually not satisfied with just a replacement. I want a close look at the Verfassungsschutz in general.

And whoever they appoint, better not someone chosen by Seehofer. Frankly, the SPD should make a suggestion.

The SPD does not have the Interior ministry.

Yes, I know. But shouldn't the Verfassungsschutz be independent from party politics anyway? And the SPD is the current coalition partner, so they should have a say in a decision as important as this one.

It's activities maybe impartial, but appointing leadership for the security services always carries a certain degree of political motive.

Which is exactly the reason why picking said person should demand the involvement of at least all the governing parties, and not the responsibility of a small party most people in the country aren't even able to vote for.

From all Reports the SPD (and even parts of the Union) are mightily pissed at this "Compromise".

Also, guess Maassen are of Responsibility? Interior Security 🙄.

And Seehofer gave him his full support again.

They are not the only ones.

The elections in Bavaria can't happen soon enough. Hopefully that will be a wake-up call for the CSU. Last time I looked, the Greens had become the second strongest party, and that was before this latest stunt. For all their posturing, they haven't gotten back a single vote from the Af D, but they are bleeding their moderate voters.

Oh the stupid goes deeper. Because there's only so much Positions for a State Secretary, to make space for Maassen Seehofer is sending a SPD Secretary into early retirement.

Said Person is a long year and heavily respected specialist for Living and Building living space (Who's only joined Interior because Seehofer wanted that Resort from Environment) who's Job is given to another CDU security specialist.

Whut?

Can't we send Maaßen into early retirement instead? And the whole CSU with him?

And for the Cherry on top of this? He's getting THREE THOUSAND Euro more per month for this job.

I already knew that part, but that is the least of my concern. My concern is in which mind-set our government thought that this was a fitting solution for an assault on our constitution from within their own ranks. In order for the Af D to loose supporters, our more traditional politicians have to look like the more trustworthy alternative. But nothing about this is in any way trustworthy.

Honestly, I don't know what you expected? This is Merkles standard procedure, nothing of this is new. And while it is frustrating that it seems that Maaßen got rewarded for his sabotage, you must keep in mind that in his current position, while not without influence, he has no longer the sheer power he got in his former job.

I think, this is not a perfect solution, but a serviceable one. And SPD and public is currently shooting almost solely on Seehofer and the CSU, so I see that as a bonus.

In other news, I found an intersting article in the TAZ about immigration. (Sorry it is in german) https://www.taz.de/!5531971/

Tldr: El-Mafaalani (the one who gets interviewed and is an expert on immigration) is of the opinion that conflict is not only unavoidable, but even evidence of a functioning immigration. Since discussion about hijab and prayer-rooms for muslim only pop up, because many muslims have integrated to such a degree that they pressure for those rights.

He also says, that racism is neither going away with successful immigration nor is it really tied to it. Racist don't need a muslim neighbouhood to hate them or immigrants in the cities to attack them. They are hating them from the get-go, contact won't change or increase that.

One interesting point is also, that it would be more worrying if there would be no conflict. Since this would mean that depression, regression and silent oppression of the minorities would surpress any discussion. Sub-cultures exist, because the immigrants accept that cannot advance in normal society or socialize in it, so they shut themself off.

Basically, conflict is inevitable and even, to an extent, a good sign for integration. At least here in germany.

Edited by TheNohen on Sep 19th 2018 at 8:30:23 PM

I disagree, integration means more than just "the inmigrant are quiet and nicely to the locals" which is what most locals think it should be, it also mean the locals can see the "other" as one of their own but with diferent stuff.

Also, what is the position of Af D right now?, it seen they arent going away anything soon.

I think, you misunderstood. A "quiet, nice immigrant" is exactly what the interview criticizes as a bad development, since it would mean that they do not stand up for their own rights.

It argues, that conflict is a sign of growing acceptance. Or at least the fight for it.

But before that acceptance happens, clashes will be unavoidable. Positions have to be defined and lines have to be drawn. A society must know where they compromise and where they do not.

Regressionist and resistance will always happen in such changing times. The question is just wether we ignore them and let them succeed, or if we question, discuss and combat them.

Nothing of that is easy or smooth. And walking on a rocky road still mean we go forward, even if we stumble here and there.

As for the AFD, they are going full-republican now. Barking over the dangers of immigrants and further socializing with radical elements. Which makes them even more hated in the Bundestag, but keeps their radical base stable. I am speculating, but I think they will settle in about 15-18% in the upcoming elections.

Edited by TheNohen on Sep 20th 2018 at 9:03:51 PM

They are solidifying their Base, but by going even more obvious Nazi they will probably long term shed s lot of protest voters.

Hopefully you are right.

I think we have a problem of mind-set. Like, in the aftermath of Chemnitz, the attack on the restaurant...I was kind of p... that it was reported as "Jewish Restaurant" instead of the press saying that they were attacking a German whose Religion happens to be Jewish. Well, I am assuming here that the nationality of the owner is German, but that is exactly the point, I don't know, because his religion was somehow conflated to his nationality, hence marking him inadvertently as "different".

Not that Germany is alone with this.

On the other hand, if it looks like a hate crime it should be reported accordingly.

Sure, but I think the impact is actually bigger if you report it as "a German was attacked because he happened to be Jewish".

In other news...the AFD is officially closing down "Patriotische Plattform" (patriotic platform), a right-wing gathering ground for radicals. It can be likened to the Tea Party in the U.S.A.

http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/afd-patriotische-plattform-will-sich-aufloesen-a-1229335.html

It had been under scrutiny from the Verfassungsschutz for a while now, but after Maaßens departure, the AFD apparently didn't feel comfortable ignoring that, now that his protecting influence is gone.

Edited by TheNohen on Sep 21st 2018 at 2:54:48 PM

So, Forschungsgruppe Wahlen has published another prognosis for Bavaria yesterday...surprisingly the CSU managed to hold onto their 35%, the Af D has lost voters though (together they are now at 45% and I can't believe that I have even to worry about that) and the Greens are still winning votes.

Aaand the Defense Ministry got caught spending millions on outside advisors, hiring them in violation of the legal procedures of bidding for those contracts and using funds not meant to be used that way.

So far, it's only one case, but apparently these days you can't swing a dead cat without hitting an external advisor in the VM...on the policy of Frau von der Leyen.

...And people wonder why our Military breaks down.

Full German article, keep some blood pressure meds handy.

Edited by 3of4 on Sep 23rd 2018 at 1:37:35 PM

sigh...I can't remember the last time the Bundeswehr was NOT mismanaged.