Tens of Thousands Protest Far-Right Politics in Berlin Ahead of Elections

In a recent interview, historian Andreas Rödder emphasized that the risk of a world war is very real, amidst the disintegration of the existing world order and escalating tensions between East and West. Rödder, a professor at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, attributed the current geopolitical landscape to the residual imperial notions in Russia and China following the Cold War, citing the unresolved defeat of the Soviet Union as a primary cause of its resurgence. Rödder argues that the idea of relying solely on military deterrence is insufficient to address these challenges. He highlighted that the West, particularly the U.S., must demonstrate internal and external strength to counter the ambitions of revisionist powers like Russia, Iran, and China. According to Rödder, the current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East share a thematic core: a struggle over hegemonic influence. He further noted that Western societies face significant political polarization, undermining their resilience. To navigate these turbulent waters, Rödder advocates for a revival of the principles of civil society that prioritize individual merit over collective ideologies, which he believes can foster stability and effective governance in the West.

In a recent Instagram post commemorating the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made no mention of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, eliciting criticism from various quarters. According to WELT columnist Mirna Funk, Scholz's omission reflects a broader trend where contemporary remembrances fail to focus on the Jewish community that should be central to such observances. Funk argues that the phrase "Never again," which has historically underscored the commitment to prevent future atrocities, no longer resonates fully with the original intent of protecting the Jewish people. She notes that this shift may stem from a psychological distancing from historical events, as contemporary discourses increasingly dilute the specific historical context of antisemitism. The column raises important questions regarding the evolution of Holocaust remembrance in Germany, suggesting that a more intentional acknowledgment of Jewish suffering is necessary to honor the memory of those who perished during the genocide. As debates continue around how societies confront their histories, the implications of Scholz's remarks are likely to persist in discussions about Holocaust education and remembrance.

A recent study by Greenpeace has found alarming levels of PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals,” in sea foam along Germany's North and Baltic Seas. The study reveals concentrations of PFAS at German beaches that were reported to be up to 3,777 times higher than safety limits established in neighboring countries like Denmark, where the acceptable level is 40 nanograms per liter. The highest concentration, approximately 160,000 nanograms per liter, was found in a sample from Kühlungsborn. Researchers collected foam samples from various locations including Norderney, Sylt, and Sankt Peter-Ording between November and January. According to Greenpeace, all tested samples were contaminated with PFAS, synthetic chemicals widely used for their water and grease resistance but known to pose serious health risks, including cancer. German authorities have yet to establish formal safety thresholds for PFAS in coastal waters. Greenpeace has criticized the lack of regulation compared to countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, prompting health experts to recommend avoiding contact with sea foam.