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Scoop
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Michael Sommer (1952 – 2025): A Pillar Of Global Trade Unionism
Michael Sommer devoted his life to advancing social justice, solidarity and democracy at work. He was a committed leader of the DGB, which he chaired from 2002 to 2014, but his impact resonated far beyond Germany. At the ITUC, he was Deputy President from 2006 to 2010, President from 2010 to 2014 and championed the principle of global trade union unity and social dialogue, with a clear and unwavering commitment to democracy. In 2009, under his leadership the DGB hosted the ITUC General Council in Berlin, during which members met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In 2014, the DGB hosted the 3rd ITUC World Congress. ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said: 'Michael Sommer embodied the values of the global trade union movement: solidarity, courage and a relentless pursuit of justice. He was a bridge-builder, a unifier and a deeply principled leader. His influence will continue to inspire generations of trade unionists around the world. We mourn his loss and honour his legacy. The ITUC extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and comrades.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trade union: Germany must encourage fairer distribution of care work
The German government must offer incentives for parents to ensure care work is more fairly distributed between women and men, a top trade union official has demanded. Yasmin Fahimi, head of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), told the Tagesspiegel newspaper in comments released on Monday that fathers in Germany should receive more paid parental leave, including 10 days off following the birth of a child. In Germany, two partners can in total receive up to 14 months of parental allowance while taking parental leave. One partner can receive the parental allowance for up to 12 months. If the other partner also takes time off work for childcare, this only extends the total amount of time that parents can receive the allowance by two months - often referred to in Germany as the "father months." Fahimi's proposal came after new Labour Minister Bärbel Bas told the Sunday edition of the Bild newspaper that better working conditions must be created for women to raise employment levels. "Employers must organize the world of work in such a way that more mothers can work full-time," Bas said. The trade union leader praised Bas' suggestion but warned that women still carry out a far higher proportion of unpaid care work. "Ultimately, it remains the case that the organization of working hours is a highly individual decision, and that more incentives are needed for a better division between the sexes," said Fahimi.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Some 20,000 join Workers' Day demos in Berlin and Hamburg
Some 20,000 people joined left-wing demonstrations in Germany's two biggest cities, Berlin and Hamburg, to mark International Workers' Day, police said on Thursday. Unlike in previous years, the protests have remained largely peaceful. International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, was established in 1890 as a day of protest and solidarity for the labour movement. It remains a key date for rallies and demonstrations across the country. Some 10,000 people took part in the "Revolutionary May 1 Demonstration" passing through Berlin's Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighbourhoods, according to police estimates. A handful of demonstrators threw fireworks at officers and some participants were detained, police said. Some protesters chanted pro-Palestinian slogans, while some were carrying posters saying "Fight fascism," "Smash repression," "Against racism and repression," and "War on war." The demonstration, organized by left-wing and far-left groups, has repeatedly been the scene of clashes between protesters and police in the past. At least one person was injured as shots were fired in Kreuzberg, but police said the incident occurred away from the protest route, without providing further details. Earlier, some 1,800 people joined a rally passing through Berlin's wealthy Grunewald district on the western outskirts of the city, held under the motto "Billionaires to Mars." Thousands protest in Hamburg More than 9,000 people joined three separate demonstrations organized by left-wing and far-left groups in the northern port city of Hamburg, according to police estimates. All demonstrations were peaceful, with fireworks being set off in some cases, it said. Some 9,000 people also joined a rally organized by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), with some 6,500 joining a protest in Berlin, according to the DGB. Elsewhere in Germany, far-right and left-wing groups clashed on Worker's Day. Scuffles broke out between a left-wing group and supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party at a former coal-mining site in the western German city of Dortmund. A policeman suffered a minor injury when officers intervened to separate the two sides, police said. Police said some 50 AfD supporters had been looking to visit the site in the morning, when some 30 people from left-wing groupings tried to stop them. Police used riot batons and temporarily detained 20 people during clashes with leftist activists protesting at a right-wing demonstration in the western city of Gelsenkirchen. Police blocked the leftists from breaking through police barriers, a police spokeswoman said. She said that two attempts had been made, with the detentions made during the second attempt. She added that one officer had suffered minor injuries but remained on duty. Chancellor Scholz marks Workers' Day Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced support for workers and trade unions in a message on the May 1 public holiday, as his time in office draws to a close. "There are still far too many people who have to work hard for too little money," the centre-left SPD leader wrote on X. "That is why I support decent wages and strong trade unions. They are vital for the social cohesion of our country. That's what May 1 is all about!" The chancellor's centre-left Social Democrats have long-standing ties to organized labour groups. Scholz is set to leave office on Tuesday and be replaced by conservative leader Friedrich Merz.
Local Germany
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Local Germany
11 unmissable events happening around Germany in May 2025
With its blissful, sunny days and numerous public holidays , May can often feel like the unofficial start of summer in Germany: Beer garden season begins, the long daylight hours can bring renewed energy to your social circle, and a spate of spring festivals are fully underway. If the dazzling blue skies are making you itch to get out and about - or even escape to a different part of the country - here are some of the biggest and best events to know about. May 1st: May Day, throughout Germany To ensure we all start the month feeling rested, May is due to kick off with a nationwide public holiday. In Germany, May 1st marks both Maitag (May Day) and Tag der Arbeit (Labour Day), combining charming folk traditions on the one hand with rowdy demonstrations for better workers' rights. In Berlin's Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, you can expect to see people setting up sound systems in local parks and drinking in the streets, or heading to day parties at legendary nightclubs like About Blank and Berghain. However, there are also numerous political marches and demos , such as the "Mach dich stark mit uns!" demo set up by the union DGB, and the Antifa-led "Revolutionäre 1. Mai" . Elsewhere in the country, you can find street parties and open stages, as well as public demonstrations in honour of the labour movement. If traditional festivals are more your thing, look out for local May Day celebrations in your area, including the age-old custom of dancing around the maypole. READ ALSO: Germany's most bizarre May 1st traditions May 2nd - 11th: Liberation of Europe Week , Berlin In the lead up to Victory in Europe Day on May 8th, and for a few days afterwards, the German capital is hosting numerous events commemorating the Second World War and its victims. This year, more than 100 such events are happening around the city, including exhibitions, guided tours, film screenings and theatre productions. Advertisement At the opening of the memorial week on May 2nd, composer Marc Sinan will present the world premier of his oratorio 'Befreiung' (Liberation) at the Akademie der Künste on Pariser Platz. The famous square next to the Brandenburg Gate will also host an open-air exhibition exploring for the full week with the title: '...finally peace?', exploring themes of war and liberation. On May 8th, the German capital will celebrate a special public holiday in honour of Victory in Europe Day, marking the 80th anniversary since Nazi Germany was defeated by the allied forces. May 3rd: Rhine in Flames festival, Bonn Every year between May and September, villages, castles and hills along the Middle Rhine Valley light up overnight in five dazzling firework displays. The first takes place this year on May 3rd in Bonn, and it's bound to be a spectacle to remember. To admire the valley bathed in a sea of light and colour, it's best to arrive early and select a prime spot near the river or in Bonn's historical Old Town. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can book a boat trip to gaze at the fireworks while cruising along the river with a glass of wine in hand. Onlookers watch the Rhine in Flames fireworks from the Niederwald Memorial in Rüdesheim, Hesse. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Andreas Arnold May 8th: Mushroom Church , Berlin If you've never heard of mushroom music, you're probably not the only one - but fungi-loving composer Tarun Nayar has made it his life's work. Under his artist name Modern Biology, Nayar has gone viral online with his other-worldly soundscapes, which he bases on the bioelectric changes in mushrooms and plants. In the atmospheric setting of Berlin's Passionkirche , Nayar is set to take audiences on a journey of sensory and intellectual discovery this May, presenting his ambient music alongside poetry, colourful projections and a short scientific talk. Whether you become a devoted fan of the fungal arts or not, this promises to be a fascinating and memorable foray into the floral kingdom. READ ALSO: How to maximise your public holidays like a German this May May 9th to 11th: Hafengeburtstag , Hamburg For almost half a century, Hamburg has been celebrating its beloved port with a joyous celebration known as the Hafengeburtstag (Harbour Birthday), and this year, the harbour is turning 836. Over the years, the event has grown into the largest port festival in the entire world, celebrating the sea, the Hanseatic city, and its rich maritime past. Advertisement Over a long weekend from Friday to Sunday, visitors to Hamburg can admire elegant parades on the harbour, featuring historic tall ships and imposing naval vessels, as well as luxury cruise liners. Along the Elbe River, you can enjoy a packed roster of live music stages and food markets, as well as plenty of family-friendly attractions, exhibitions and tours of the grandest sailing ships. On Saturday evening, the harbour will also be lit up in a majestic firework display. May 11th to 18th: International Dixieland Festival , Dresden Europe's oldest and largest Dixieland jazz festival takes place each year in Dresden, making the Saxon capital something of a mecca for music fans. This year, 350 artists from around the world will be performing in open-air concerts and riverboat parties, as well as in concert halls and theatres around the city. The undoubted highlight, however, is the bombastic Dixieland Parade on Saturday, which kicks off at the Carola Bridge and weaves along the river into the Old Town. Musicians take part in the annual Dixieland festival parade in Dresden Old Town. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Daniel Schäfer May 16th - 17th: Die Blaue Nacht , Nuremberg It may seem like an unusual concept, but over the years, die Blaue Nacht (Blue Night) has become a cult event in Nuremberg. Every year, the scenic Franconian city sees its Old Town bathed in blue light, creating a surreal nocturnal atmosphere. On the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, this year's Blaue Nacht will be themed "Love and Peace" - a motif inspired by the colourful hippie era with its advocacy of global peace and harmony. Advertisement Celebrating the best of Nuremberg's rich cultural life, around 50 museums, galleries, church and theatres are set to stay open late on Saturday night with special performances and exhibitions. These include the KunstKulturQuartier and the reopened Künstlerhaus, as well as the the City Archive, the Kunstbunker, the Kreis-Galerie and the Deutsches Museum. Ten art installations from the Blaue Nacht art competition will be on display for two days starting on Friday. May 17th - 24th: Green Sauce Festival , Frankfurt For a full week in May, the Hessian capital will be embarking on a vibrant celebration of its most iconic culinary creation: Frankfurter Grüne Soße . This tangy green sauce is a source of pride for Frankfurt residents, and tends to accompany all manner of dishes, from Schnitzel to beef brisket. During the Green Sauce Festival, local restaurants and chefs will be competing to see who produces the most delectable herbal concoction. Each night, 650 guests will gather in the Hausener Brotfabrik to sample seven delicious sauces, served with traditional eggs and potatoes as well as a variety of local beers, ciders and apple wines. READ ALSO: 9 incredible foods you have to try while visiting Frankfurt At the end of each evening, guests will vote for their favourite, with the top seven facing off against each other in a grand finale on May 24th. Along with the best of regional cuisine, the sampling of the sauces will take place in a lively atmosphere, complete with local musicians, magicians and other family-friendly entertainment. Advertisement May 17th - June 14th: Dresden Music Festival , Dresden For nearly five decades, the Dresden Music Festival has brought world-class classical, jazz, and world music to one of Germany's most historic cities. Under the theme of "Horizons", this year's event is set to be bigger and more diverse than ever, drawing renowned orchestras, soloists, and ensembles from across the globe to perform in multiple venues throughout the cities, from the cavernous Frauenkirche to intimate baroque salons. A musician from the Dresden Music Festival orchestra practises his clarinet before a workshop concert at the Palais im Großen Garten in Dresden. Photo: picture alliance / dpa | Oliver Killig Highlights this year include the thrilling and unpredictable 'music festival meets circus theatre' evening at the Circus Tent on the Elbufer, where circus performers enter into a unique artistic dialogue with world-class jazz and classical musicians, as well as a children's adaption of Richard Wagner's The Ring Cycle and the exhilarating open-air event, 'Dresden sings and makes music' on the Brühlische Terasse. May 28th - June 9th: Weindorf Wine Festival , Würzburg It may be a small city, but over the years the annual 'Weindorf' festival in Würzburg has developed a big reputation. From late May to early June, residents set up their 'wine village' in the historic market square next to the Marienkapelle to celebrate the best local foods and the rich wine-growing culture in Upper Franconia. Around 100,000 visitors flock to Würzburg each year for the festival, so it's worth booking a table in advance at one of the seating areas hosted by local restauranteurs and hoteliers. This year, around 100 Franconian wines are available from 30 different vineyards, with more than 100 regional dishes to sample alongside them. READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Germany in May 2025 Advertisement May 29th: Ascension Day, throughout Germany Germany is set to have another public holiday at the end of May, capping off a month of incredible events. Ascension Day - or Christihimmelfahrt in Germany - is a Christian celebration marking Jesus' ascension to heaven, and churches around the country will be holding special services. In a rather different tradition, May 29th also happens to be Vatertag (or Father's Day): a wild occasion when men take to the streets lugging carts of beer and see who can get the drunkest throughout the day. For most people, however, it is simply another free day off work - and, if you're savvy enough, the chance to book off a Brückentag on Friday the 30th and enjoy a four-day weekend. READ ALSO: Why Germans get wholly wasted on Ascension Day
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
From navy chief to a key pillar of PAP's 3G team: SM Teo retires after 33 years in politics
Minister for Manpower Josephine Teo (far left) and Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean (centre) at Safra Punggol for the My Family Fiesta on Sept 8, 2019. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO From navy chief to a key pillar of PAP's 3G team: SM Teo retires after 33 years in politics SINGAPORE - Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, 70, is retiring from politics, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning more than three decades. On April 23, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong paid tribute to SM Teo and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is also retiring. 'Both are remarkable individuals, giants in the public service with a lifetime of contributions to Singapore and Singaporeans,' he said at a press conference. A former Navy chief holding the rank of rear-admiral, SM Teo made his political debut in December 1992, when he was part of a team that contested and won a by-election in Marine Parade GRC. He quickly established himself as a PAP stalwart, earning re-election six times as an MP for Pasir Ris GRC and subsequently, Pasir Ris–Punggol GRC, which he has anchored since 2001. Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah has taken over from SM Teo to helm the PAP team in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, which was carved out of Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. His first Cabinet appointment was as Minister of State for Finance as well as Communications in 1992. He has also been Minister for Home Affairs, Defence, Education, and the Environment. A core member of Singapore's third-generation political leadership team, SM Teo served as deputy prime minister from 2009 to 2019, and has been Coordinating Minister for National Security since 2011. He was appointed Senior Minister in 2019. From Admiral to Policy Architect As Coordinating Minister for National Security, he strengthened Singapore's resilience against emerging threats, such as terrorism. This includes improving intelligence sharing, strengthening border security, and conducting regular counter-terrorism exercises. He also oversaw the development of robust cybersecurity strategies to protect Singapore's critical infrastructure and digital assets. For example, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) was established in 2015 to protect Singapore's cyberspace. Then DPM Teo Chee Hean speaking in an interview to mark Public Service Week in 2009. PHOTO: ST FILE SM Teo also spearheaded efforts to transform Singapore into a Smart Nation by advancing digital government initiatives and fostering innovation. Launched in 2018, the Digital Government Blueprint (DGB) leveraged data and digital technologies to transform public services, making them more efficient and citizen-centric. This includes initiatives to automate processes, enhance digital infrastructure, and improve the digital skills of public officers. In 2024, Smart Nation 2.0 was announced to enhance digital infrastructure, promote digital literacy, and ensure that technology benefits all citizens. (From left) Ms Valerie Lee, Mr Sharael Taha, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, Ms Sun Xueling, Mr Desmond Tan and Ms Yeo Wan Ling at Downtown East on March 22. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY As Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change, SM Teo also championed sustainability efforts, including solar energy deployment and electric vehicle adoption. Under his leadership, Singapore developed comprehensive strategies to address climate change, including the National Climate Change Strategy 2012 and the Climate Action Plan 2016. He also played a key role in the introduction of Singapore's carbon tax in 2019, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by incentivising businesses to adopt greener practices. Fighting pandemic outbreak One of SM Teo's major contributions was his experience with both Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Mindef, and wielding the authority of being Coordinating Minister for National Security. This was especially evident when the Covid-19 pandemic rampaged through migrant workers' dormitories in 2020. He was tasked to assemble an inter-agency Joint Task Force (JTF) by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to stem transmissions and protect workers. Cases among workers living in dormitories had jumped from 31 in April 2020 to over 15,000 in May, before more than doubling to 33,000 in June. For much of the year, they made up 19 in 20 cases, and by the end of 2021, over 175,000 out of 323,000 dormitory residents had caught the virus. SM Teo put together a team which comprised the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), health and manpower ministries, and the Home Team from MHA. The JTF deployed officers to all 43 purpose-built dorms (PBDs) to set up medical facilities, bring in supplies and food, and even ensured that there was Internet access and entertainment for the workers. Doctors and nurses were also sent to each dorm. By the end of the first week of the circuit breaker, which had begun on April 7, all the dorms had been locked down. Workers who tested positive were moved to community facilities, and strict testing and isolation rules were imposed. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean made his political debut in December 1992, when he was part of a team that contested and won a by-election in Marine Parade GRC. PHOTO: ST FILE Over four months later, all the dorms were cleared of the virus and nine in 10 workers in the construction, maritime and process sectors could return to their jobs. 'Covid-19 was not a mission that our SAF and Home Team had specifically prepared and trained for,' said SM Teo in a national broadcast on Singapore's post-coronavirus future in June 2020. 'But they demonstrated their readiness and flexibility by stepping up to establish the joint task forces (JTFs) within days, to support their MOM and MOH colleagues who were already on the front lines.' He added that the pandemic was the largest and most complex he had encountered in more than 40 years of public service. In a Facebook post, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: 'Chee Hean was a steady presence in Cabinet and a pillar of strength in my 3G team.' He said he could rely on SM Teo to deal with the thorniest issues sensibly and even-handedly. Whether they were responding to crises like the Covid-19 pandemic, managing complex cross-cutting topics like population policy, or conducting sensitive negotiations with Singapore's neighbours, SM Teo spoke his mind, and never hesitated to express views that were different from his, said SM Lee. 'I always valued Chee Hean's thoughtful reactions to my ideas, his strategic clarity, and sound judgment,' SM Lee added. Respected Interlocutor in Defence Diplomacy As Defence Minister from 2003 to 2011, SM Teo served at the forefront of defence diplomacy through his interactions with international defence leaders. He was a respected interlocutor in defence diplomacy, building close ties with both his Chinese and American counterparts over his tenure. He was a driving force behind the signing of major agreements such as the Strategic Framework Agreement with the United States in 2005, and contributed significantly in building up the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, which has become the premier defence and security forum in the Asia-Pacific. He also oversaw critical upgrades to Singapore's military capabilities to ensure its preparedness in an evolving global landscape. This included the introduction of new fighter jets, naval vessels, and land systems to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and leveraging technology as a force multiplier. As Home Affairs Minister, he spearheaded efforts to boost civil defence and internal security, especially in the wake of rising regional threats. He emphasised the importance of the Total Defence strategy, which integrates military, civil, economic, social, and psychological defence to ensure Singapore's resilience against various threats. In a Facebook post, PM Wong called SM Teo 'a strategist at heart' who brought an incisive mind to bear on complex issues, with a laser focus on effective policies that make a difference. SM Teo was also a statesman who represented Singapore with distinction on the global stage, creating space and opportunities for Singapore internationally, he said. 'His contributions over the years allowed us to resolve complex and long-standing bilateral issues – including the agreements on extradition, airspace and defence cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia,' PM Wong said. 'His leadership has enabled our little red dot to stand tall and proud in the world.' In a 2018 speech at the Singapore Perspectives conference, SM Teo emphasised the necessity of leadership renewal to maintain vitality and energy in governance. 'You don't want a whole nation to be held hostage by the health of a cohort of people who are already senior and are getting more and more senior with each passing year, so you need leadership renewal.' In 2019, upon his transition from Deputy Prime Minister to Senior Minister, he said: 'Senior leaders make way in good time for the next generation, share their experience and help the next generation of leaders to succeed.' Key Appointments May 2019 to Current: Senior Minister May 2011 to Current: Coordinating Minister for National Security April 2009 to April 2019: Deputy Prime Minister May 2011 to September 2015: Minister for Home Affairs August 2003 to May 2011: Minister for Defence January 1997 to July 2003: Minister for Education January 1996 to July 2003: Second Minister for Defence January 1996 to January 1997: Minister for the Environment April 1995 to January 1996: Acting Minister for the Environment April 1995 to January 1996: Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence July 1994 to April 1995: Minister of State, Ministry of Defence December 1992 to April 1995: Minister of State, Ministry of Finance December 1992 to July 1994: Minister of State, Ministry of Communications Member of Parliament October 2001 to Current: Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC January 1997 to October 2001: Pasir Ris GRC December 1992 to December 1996: Marine Parade GRC Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. 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