Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in Germany that you might've missed. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.
Bundestag vote that will lead to fresh elections
Chancellor Olaf Scholz started the official process to schedule early elections this week when he requested a vote of confidence in the German parliament.
He wrote to Bundestag President Bärbel Bas to call for the vote (called die Vertrauensfrage in German), on Monday.
A vote of no confidence in the Social Democrat - which is the expected outcome - paves the way for the dissolution of parliament, scheduled to happen on December 27th, and then the snap elections on February 23rd next year.
Scholz said he wanted to "to clear the way" for the elections. You can expect the Chancellor to give a speech in the Bundestag on Monday lunchtime before a debate lasting around 90 minutes is held. Parliament is then expected to vote by roll call. This means the voting behaviour of each MP will be published with a slight delay.
You may be wondering why all this drama is happening around the holidays, which is usually a time for politicians to wind down.
Couldn't they just wait and sort this out after they've enjoyed some Christmas Bratwurst and Kartoffelsalat (potato salad) followed by Lebkuchen biscuits with their families?
Unfortunately, they don't really have a choice.
After Christian Lindner, the former Finance Minister, got himself thrown out of the government in early November, leading to his party, the Free Democrats (FDP) crashing out too, Germany has been stuck in a political crisis.
With no majority in the Bundestag, the SPD and Greens can't really do anything. And with major economic troubles at home, Donald Trump heading back to the White House on January 20th and neighbouring France experiencing political instability of its own (not to mention all the other alarming world events happening), it's urgent for Germany to have a functioning government.
That's why the elections are happening months before they were meant to on February 23rd, and why the campaigning to win votes is starting up already.
READ ALSO: What happens next as German chancellor kicks off path to snap elections?
Draft beer on trains gets the boot
There is simply nothing like enjoying a tall glass of draft beer freshly poured on a Deutsche Bahn 'Bordbistro' as you zoom through the German countryside by train. But alas, that will soon be no more.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced that it is getting rid of beer on tap and instead will be offering a selection of bottled beers.
DB said passengers’ tastes are becoming increasingly diverse, which has forced the company to modernise its offering.
The news sparked a bit of commentary online, with one X user calling it "a sad day".
Ein trauriger Tag... https://t.co/tIfRMEUlnC
— Jan Petter (@lepettre) December 12, 2024
It's not the only change scheduled next year on long-distance trains.
DB is set to trial a cashless payment system in its onboard bistros on some routes between February and May 2025.
The aim is to simplify processes for employees and lead to shorter waiting times for customers.
Berlin's Berghain: 20 years of a club icon
Electronic music fans may be aware of a big anniversary this week. Berlin's famous Berghain club turned 20 on Friday December 13th (incidentally, it has the same birthday as Taylor Swift who just turned 35).
Known for its strict door policy, the institution which is housed in an old power plant in former East Berlin, has been an integral part of the capital's techno club scene since 2004.
The origins of the cult club lie in Ostgut, an innovative pioneer of electronic music which revolutionised techno. When Ostgut had to make way for what is now the Uber Arena, Berghain was created.
Nowadays Berghain and its Panorama Bar host long techno and house parties as well as concerts and exhibitions.
A weekend-long party, starting just before midnight on Friday, was being held to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
But getting in the door is anything but easy. It is manned by some of the toughest bouncers in the business. Tourists from all over the world queue up to try their luck at making it into the techno haven but many hear: Heute leider nicht (unfortunately not today).
Have you ever made it past Sven the bouncer? If so, please share your tips with us!
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