#270: Economic growth, smoke-in at the Gate, Euro-vote
100 years Nefertiti in Berlin - and the next Berlin News Quiz
Dear 20 Percent,
I won’t deny it, I’m a massive Europhile. Without question, the EU has enriched my life, whether it’s the ability to live hassle-free in four European countries, or the ease of travel or our beloved shared currency. My daughter is studying practically free-of-charge in another European country. Only the EU makes these huge privileges a reality.
One of the problems with the EU is that it’s lacking a little in the democracy department. There’s a sense that Eurocrats are a out-of-touch with ordinary Europeans. And the body that is supposed to represent the people, the European Parliament, has only limited powers. For example, it can’t initiate new legislation.
The European Parliamentary Election on June 9 is maybe a chance to change that and send a message to Brussels that we care about democracy in Europe. Our participation in the election signals to the EU that the institution should finally be bestowed with some real agency.
EU citizens residing in Germany can vote either in their home country or in Germany. If you’d like to vote in Berlin and have never voted in Germany before, you’ll have to register (the info and the form, in German) by May 19. Berlin is also looking for 30,000 volunteers to help count votes, etc — EU citizens can participate. You’ll be compensated for your time with €25-120 (thanks for the tip, Handpicked Berlin).
Fun fact: For the first time ever, people as young as 16 will be allowed to vote in the European Election.
Non-Euro news below.
Maurice
PS. Many thanks to today’s sponsor, expat-friendly insurance provider Feather!
PPS. Don’t miss the next hilarious 20% Berlin News Quiz at Comedy Cafe Berlin tomorrow (Tuesday!) Tickets here!
Smoke-in
Hundreds of cannabis connoisseurs gathered at the Brandenburg Gate Sunday night to celebrate legalisation which went into effect at midnight. At the stroke of 12, hundreds of lighters lit hundreds of joints. According to Der Tagesspiegel, Berlin’s most famous landmark was shrouded in a fog of cannabis smoke. Police said the event was “very calm”. Morgenpost posted an interactive map of zones where smoking marijuana will remain illegal, namely close to playgrounds, schools, daycare centres, etc.) Meanwhile, it appears that some beer gardens are understandably worried stoned guests could mean lower sales and are thinking about banning guests from smoking weed on their premises. Worth checking out: All About Berlin’s detailed explainer about the new rules.
Gas tax bump
In October 2022, Germany lowered VAT on natural gas to 7% in order to counter price spikes resulting from the Russian invation of Ukraine. That tax reduction expired at the end of March. VAT on gas has returned to 19%, translating into an instant 11% price increase for consumers.
Recession, what recession?
While the German economy as a whole shrank by 0.3% last year, the Berlin economy grew by 1.6%, according to new official statistics. Berlin was the third best-performing German state, just behind Brandenburg (Tesla) and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (post-corona tourism rebound). Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell to 9.6% in March, 0.1% lower than in February.
Want to get real about learning German? Check out SmarterGerman, a learning platform created by Berlin German teacher Michael Schmitz. Sign up to Michael’s newsletter today and receive a 10% discount!
A few culture and nightlife tips from our friends at The Next Day Berlin:
PARTY: System Revival presents Jane Fitz
Thursday, 04.04, 10 pm - 6 am. OHM, Köpenicker Str. 70, 10179 Berlin. Tickets: €15.
Jane Fitz, with over 25 years of experience, is renowned for her eclectic DJ sets, blending early UK acid, deep house, techno, trance, and ambient textures. She shares the decks with Charles Green and Diamin.
MUSIC: Spring Sessions: Robert Machiri & Guests
Fri-Sat, 05-06.04, 7 pm. daadgalerie, Oranienstraße 161, 10969 Berlin. Free admission.
Together with Memory Biwa, Robert Machiri was a fellow of the DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program as the Duo Listening At Pungwe in 2021/22. With this unique approach, he draws inspiration from music spanning different decades and continents. Referencing mixtape practices, he creates soundscapes that traverse experimental, jazz, Afro beats, electronic music, field recordings, and spoken word.
THEATRE: IVANOV (IWANOW) - Based on Anton Chekhov
Friday, 05.04, 7:30 pm. With English surtitles. Berliner Essemble, Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1, 10117 Berlin. Tickets: €6-€37.
This first drama by Anton Chekhov depicts a pleasure-seeking society, where Nikolai Ivanov seeks refuge from his moral struggles. Director Yana Ross, an expert on Chekhov, combines canonical texts with contemporary discourses, exploring societal wounds and no regard for irritabilities.
For more tips subscribe to The Next Day Berlin newsletter!
Factoid
The bust of Nefertiti went on display in Berlin for the first time on 1 April, 1924. The sculpture, thought to have been produced in 1345 BCE, was discovered by German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt and his team in Tell-el Amarna, Egypt in 1912. It is believed that the bust was illegally smuggled to Germany and Egypt has been demanding its return since it was first shown in public 100 years ago. Today, Nefertiti can be visited in the Neues Museum.
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I recently read that about 30% of Egyptian antiquities have been smuggled to Europe and the US. Some artifacts are displayed at museums, while others are privately owned. I'm currently in Athens and visited the Acropolis last week. Unfortunately, I learned that a lot of pieces of the Acropolis were stolen by the British and is now held at the British Museum. John Oliver once humorously remarked, "The entire British Museum is an active crime scene." This is a sad reality for many other European museums as well.
Berlin to overtake NRW and Bayern economically by 2035 (source: me)