Podcasts about Thuringia

This week we are setting off on our tour of the empire for real. And where better to start than with the most senior, most august of the seven prince Electors, the archbishop of Mainz, archchancellor of the empire, and holder of the decisive vote in imperial elections. We have already encountered a number of archbishops of Mainz in this podcast, from the treacherous Frederick who tried to overthrow Otto the Great (ep.3), to Willigis, the eminence grise of the empire under Otto II, Otto III and Henry II (ep.10-19) , Adalbert, first advisor and then adversary of Henry V (ep. 40), Peter von Aspelt, the man who put the Luxemburgs on the Bohemian throne (ep. 145) and lots more. But this series is not about grand imperial politics, but about the grimy territorial skullduggery inside the empire. And for Mainz this is a story that is deeply entangled with the history of Hessen. Where Mainz is ancient, tracing its' eminence back to a saint who had come across the water, Hessen was a new kid on the block amongst the imperial princes. But a very successful one. And at its beginning stood the 24 year-old daughter of a saint holding up her baby son to be acclaimed lord by the people, or some such thing. Maps of Mainz, the Landgraviate of Thuringia and Hessen: Maps • History of the Germans PodcastThe music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comIf you wish to support the show go to: Support • History of the Germans PodcastFacebook: @HOTGPod Threads: @history_of_the_germans_podcastBluesky: @hotgpod.bsky.socialInstagram: history_of_the_germansTwitter: @germanshistoryTo make it easier for you to share the podcast, I have created separate playlists for some of the seasons that are set up as individual podcasts. they have the exact same episodes as in the History of the Germans, but they may be a helpful device for those who want to concentrate on only one season. So far I have:The Ottonians Salian Emperors and Investiture ControversyFredrick Barbarossa and Early HohenstaufenFrederick II Stupor MundiSaxony and Eastward Expansion

After a couple of weeks off for impersonal reasons, we're back to show that we've learned nothing.We start off by breaking down Ilunion's repeat effort in winning Spain's not-quite-yet-all-that-prestigious SuperCopa tournament, as they took down Bilbao & Albacete in dramatic fashion.Next up, we quick-hit a handful of topics from elsewhere in Europe, including:* Thuringia's 60-59 win over Lahn-Dill* Hannover's narrow escape against Trier* Bayreuth claiming their first win of the season after an insane OT period* Giulianova's comical point differential* The confirmed 4-team Copa Italia field* A Gurbulak vs Sayari shootout, feat. Turkish club beef* A look at the French league, now that the top 4 teams have started to tangleAll this, plus shallow analysis of typical treatment of referees in each country, available wherever you get your podcasts! Get full access to Bench Units at benchunits.substack.com/subscribe

44 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.Simile est regnum caelorum thesauro abscondito in agro : quem qui invenit homo, abscondit, et prae gaudio illius vadit, et vendit universa quae habet, et emit agrum illum.  45 Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls.Iterum simile est regnum caelorum homini negotiatori, quaerenti bonas margaritas.  46 Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it.Inventa autem una pretiosa margarita, abiit, et vendidit omnia quae habuit, et emit eam.  47 Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes.Iterum simile est regnum caelorum sagenae missae in mare, et ex omni genere piscium congreganti.  48 Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth.Quam, cum impleta esset, educentes, et secus littus sedentes, elegerunt bonis in vasa, malos autem foras miserunt.  49 So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just.Sic erit in consummatione saeculi : exibunt angeli, et separabunt malos de medio justorum,  50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.et mittent eos in caminum ignis : ibi erit fletus, et stridor dentium.  51 Have ye understood all these things? They say to him: Yes.Intellexistis haec omnia? Dicunt ei : Etiam.  52 He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.Ait illis : Ideo omnis scriba doctus in regno caelorum, similis est homini patrifamilias, qui profert de thesauro suo nova et vetera. St Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew, king of Hungary, was given in marriage to the holy landgrave of Thuringia, Louis IV. After the death of her husband, she entered the Third Order of St Francis and died in poverty and humiliation, exiled by her brother-in-law A.D. 1231.

Full Text of ReadingsThirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 158The Saint of the day is Saint Elizabeth of HungarySaint Elizabeth of Hungary's Story In her short life, Elizabeth manifested such great love for the poor and suffering that she has become the patroness of Catholic charities and of the Secular Franciscan Order. The daughter of the King of Hungary, Elizabeth chose a life of penance and asceticism when a life of leisure and luxury could easily have been hers. This choice endeared her in the hearts of the common people throughout Europe. At the age of 14, Elizabeth was married to Louis of Thuringia, whom she deeply loved. She bore three children. Under the spiritual direction of a Franciscan friar, she led a life of prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor and sick. Seeking to become one with the poor, she wore simple clothing. Daily she would take bread to hundreds of the poorest in the land who came to her gate. After six years of marriage, her husband died in the Crusades, and Elizabeth was grief-stricken. Her husband's family looked upon her as squandering the royal purse, and mistreated her, finally throwing her out of the palace. The return of her husband's allies from the Crusades resulted in her being reinstated, since her son was legal heir to the throne. In 1228, Elizabeth joined the Secular Franciscan Order, spending the remaining few years of her life caring for the poor in a hospital which she founded in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Elizabeth's health declined, and she died before her 24th birthday in 1231. Her great popularity resulted in her canonization four years later. Reflection Elizabeth understood well the lesson Jesus taught when he washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper: The Christian must be one who serves the humblest needs of others, even if one serves from an exalted position. Of royal blood, Elizabeth could have lorded it over her subjects. Yet she served them with such a loving heart that her brief life won for her a special place in the hearts of many. Elizabeth is also an example to us in her following the guidance of a spiritual director. Growth in the spiritual life is a difficult process. We can play games very easily if we don't have someone to challenge us. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary is the Patron Saint of: BakersCatholic CharitiesSecular Franciscan Order Get to know these 14 holy women! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

This week:Wheelchair basketball statues, appropriate trophy transport, one-sided write-ups, Wiesbaden running Thuringia close, EuroCup qualifying groups, James's various misfortunes on Italian soil, Futurama quotes, and more!Available now, wherever you get your podcasts. Get full access to Bench Units at benchunits.substack.com/subscribe

It's feeling very autumnal on the podcast this week, probably because of all the pumpkins we keep seeing around the place. Nic, our man in the Bavarian countryside, has seen piles of them on sale at the side of the road, but Dili's only seen them in the shops. She's not complaining though, because she's found a novel way of getting a discount when she needs a Kurbis.Somewhere that needs a discount or two is Oktoberfest, which Nic learned first hand at the weekend. After his adventure at the Wiesn, we learn how to dance on the tables, and fall asleep on trains after a day on the Festbier.We also follow up on the elections in Thuringia, and how the AfD have begun to sow chaos, and we finish on government plans for national service.For those of you looking to support Ukraine or the many refugees fleeing the conflict, please take a look at these different charities and consider donating if you can.Ukraine Crisis Media Centre - A list of different donation pages to help the Ukrainian military response.Disaster Emergency Committee - Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Save the ChildrenÄrzte ohne GrenzenTheme tune courtesy of Kloß mit Soß

The three state elections in the federal states of Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg have caused a political earthquake in Germany. How is the overall result of the three votes to be assessed and what will be the consequences? Bertil Wenger, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Australia and Pacific Regional Office, answers these questions. - Die drei Landtagswahlen in den Bundesländern Sachsen, Thüringen und Brandenburg haben ein politisches Beben in Deutschland ausgelöst. Wie ist das Gesamtergebnis der drei Abstimungen zu bewerten und welche Folgen werden daraus resultieren? Diese Fragen beantwortet Bertil Wenger, Leiter des Regionalbüros Australien und Pazifik der Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.

At the beginning of September, the far-right party Alternative for Germany or AfD, won an election in the eastern state of Thuringia. The result marked the far right's first win, in a state parliament election, since World War Two. In the more populous neighbouring state of Saxony the party came in a close second. Whilst in both states the party has been officially classed as ‘right-wing extremist', the results nonetheless, signify a sharp rebuke from the voting public towards Germany's established political forces, including the ruling coalition. The Afd was founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party to challenge the government. It entered the German parliament for the first time in 2017 and now it's focus has shifted to immigration and Islam. As the country faces federal elections next year, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz has urged mainstream parties to block the AfD from governing in Thuringia by maintaining a so-called firewall against it. But in terms of the voting public, the polls currently suggest the party could also take the most votes in Brandenburg state's election coming up. So, on this week's Inquiry we're asking, Can Germany's far right win the country?Contributors: Thomas König, Professor Dr. of Political Science, European Politics, University of Mannheim, Germany Dr. Michelle Lynn Kahn, Associate Professor, Modern European History, University of Richmond, VA, USA Christina Zuber, Professor Dr. of German Politics, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Germany Jörn Fleck, Senior Director of the Europe Centre, The Atlantic Council, Washington DC, USA Presenter: Tanya Beckett Producer: Jill Collins Researcher: Matt Toulson Editor: Tara McDermott Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Broadcast Co-ordinator: Jacqui JohnsonImage Credit: CLEMENS BILAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Germany sustained a political earthquake in recent elections in the eastern states of Thuringia and Saxony. The parties of the national governing coalition sustained grievous losses—and a populist surge propelled the right-wing Alliance for Germany to record votes. Some sense ominous echoes of the rise to prominence of the Nazi Party in 1924.Jürgen Resch is well suited to evaluate the historic changes underway. He leads the respected NGO, Deutsche-Umwelthilfe. He is a co-founder of the Euronatur Foundation, the Global Nature Fund, and the Lake Constance Foundation. Active worldwide, including throughout the European Union and the United States, he is a recipient of many recognitions, including the Haagen-Smit Award from the California Air Resources Board.The New Nationalist is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the project, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In discussion with James Strock, Resch illuminates the recent shock election results, including their implications for Germany and the broader European political landscape. He surveys the challenges faced by Germany's current federal government coalition, the rise of populism, and the decline of traditional political parties. Resch considers the consequences for environmental and energy policies in Germany, the impact of electric vehicles on the auto industry, and the future of renewable energy.Jurgen Resch is the author of a well-received book detailing his effective activist approach to environmental and energy politics: Druck machen!: Wie Politik und Wirtschaft wissentlich Umwelt und Klima schädigen–-und was wir wirksam dagegen tun können.Image Credit | Deutsche-Umwelthilfe. Get full access to The New Nationalist at jamesstrock.substack.com/subscribe

German regional elections in Saxony and Thuringia saw some of the country's far-right parties, including the Alternative for Germany, perform quite well. Don't sound the alarm bells yet, but this is yet another reminder of the ongoing economic and political issues in Germany. Full Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/zeihan/will-the-far-right-take-over-germany-again

This episode features an analysis of the local elections in the east German states of Thuringia and Saxony, which were held on September 1. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) earned the most votes in Thuringia and the second most in Saxony. Furthermore, a brand-new party, the BSW or Bündnis Sahra Wagegnknecht achieved 16% in Thuringia and 12% in Saxony. Who are the leaders of these parties? We introduce you to Björn Höcke, leader of the AfD in Thuringia, and Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW. What do they stand for? What are the issues that drive there campaigns? What role dose anti-Americanism play in their politics? Both parties are pro-Russian, anti-Ukraine, anti-NATO, anti-EU, and anti-immigrant, but what are their differences? We explore how Nazi ideology still influences the AfD and how East German communism found a new home in the BSW.

The hard-right Alternative for Germany party won its first state election earlier this month in Thuringia. Anti-immigrant, anti-woke and anti-green, its popularity has brought back uncomfortable comparisons with the rise of the National Socialists in the 1930s.On Monday, Berlin announced that controls at all German land borders will be introduced for six months to stop illegal migrants entering the country.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Get in touch: TheStory@thetimes.comPhoto: Getty images.Clips: BBC, DW News, AFP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NEWS ep! We talk about Sean's upcoming well-deserved Alaska vacation before shifting into some preliminary analysis on Israel's brief anti-Netanyahu general strike, the contradictions of the Israeli working-class and war economy, and the legacy of labor Zionism.Support the show at http://patreon.com/theantifada for the second half, in which we talk about AfD's victory in Thuringia and the meaning of the cleavages within neoliberalism, including Brazil banning Twitter and the absence of left partisanship in free-speech discourse. Israel general strike: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/2/what-are-israels-protests-and-general-strike-about-and-how-big-are https://www.ft.com/content/e0e5de2d-46a7-43c2-a0e5-1bf4c710efdehttps://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/8/23/gaza-war-extends-toll-on-israels-economyhttps://x.com/bar_peleg/status/1831033750601474400 https://www.histadrut.org.il/eng/P%7Cfs%7CF_workers_in_Israel https://www.histadrut.org.il/eng/SolidarityEcuador: https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/ecuador-left-us-linked-prosecutorPreshow ad: https://bostonanarchistbookfair.org/, https://www.instagram.com/bostonanarchistbookfair/ Song - Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black - Alaska

Join us for another episode of Hearts of Oak Podcast, where we're honoured to have the return of Petr Bystron, a Member of the European Parliament representing the Alternative for Germany (AfD), as our guest.  In this insightful conversation, Petr delves into the transformative currents sweeping through European politics, sparked by the AfD's significant electoral achievements.  We'll explore how the AfD's strategic alliances are influencing European policy, the media's portrayal of populist movements, and the party's dedication to tackling critical issues like immigration and national sovereignty head-on. Petr provides a unique perspective on the shifting dynamics within the EU, where traditional political alignments are giving way to a resurgence of nationalist sentiments. Expect a candid discussion that goes beyond the headlines, examining the core values and political philosophies at play in today's Europe. Tune in as we navigate these complex waters with one of the key figures shaping the continent's future. Petr Bystron is the highest-ranking foreign politician of the AfD: He has been Chairman of the AfD in the Foreign Committee of the German Bundestag since 2017. Since 2021 he has been the foreign policy spokesman for his party and its representative in the Council of Europe and the Interparliamentary Union (IPU). He was the first AfD politician to be officially received by an incumbent president (Milos Zeman) and the first European to receive the „Eagle Award “ from the conservative US Phyllis Schlafly Foundation. He was born in the CSSR, from which he fled to Germany at the age of 16, where he received political asylum. Thirty years later, he faced similar persecution in Bavaria: during the 2017 election campaign, he was subjected to an illegal house search and it was announced that he was being monitored by the Bavarian secret service. In addition to these state reprisals, he is always the target of attacks by left-wing extremists. Bystron is actively committed to supporting politically persecuted people. In 2018, with the help of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, he was able to free journalist Billy Six from Venezuelan detention. Petr Bystron is one of the founding members of the AfD. From 2015 to 2017 he was the state leader of the party in Bavaria. He took over the party in a crisis and led it from 3.5% of the vote to the best election result of all western federal states in the 2017 federal election with 12.7%. He founded and headed his party's National Committee for European and Foreign Policy (2013-2015). Bystron studied political science at the University of Politics and the Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich and has been working as a journalist for years. His articles on business and politics have been published in renowned daily newspapers and magazines in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. He has won several creative competitions, including an EU essay competition on the future of Europe. His current book 'MEGA – Make Europe Great Again' contains portraits of leading conservative politicians such as Viktor Orbán, Marine Le Penn and Nigel Farage. Petr is married, has two children and has lived in his constituency of Munich North for more than 30 years. He has been an entrepreneur for over thirty years. Connect with Petr and The AfD...

Kate Adie presents stories from Ukraine, Germany, China, Tonga and IndiaUkraine suffered several devastating missile attacks this week on the cities of Poltava and Lviv. Despite the more buoyant mood in the country in recent weeks, following Ukraine's incursion into Kursk, it served as a reminder that the threat is ever-present. Nick Beake has been in PoltavaLast weekend, the far right AFD party - won the most votes in a state election in the east German state of Thuringia and came a close second in the state of Saxony. The AfD were especially popular among young voters. Jessica Parker has spoken to some of them in Thuringia.Several cities across China have been devastated by heavy rainfall this year and a super typhoon there this weekend is yet another warning for China's leaders that the country is vulnerable to extreme weather events because the infrastructure in cities cannot cope with such heavy storms. Laura Bicker has been in Zhengzhou where she heard about a possible solution: sponge cities.Last week, leaders from around the Pacific gathered in the small island nation of Tonga to discuss key issues they are facing. The Pacific Islands Forum is the region's biggest meeting of the year – and topping the list of concerns was climate change. But on the agenda, there were plenty of other topics – and controversies - as Katy Watson found out.And finally, the famine in Bengal in the 1940s led to one of the worst losses of civilian life on the allied side during the second world war. Many Indians see this as one of the enduring legacies of empire. Ant Adeane visited one of the survivors that period in his home in West Bengal.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Editor: Tom Bigwood Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison

Send us a textNick Cohen chats withAnnette Dittert, London Correspondent and bureau chief for ARD, Germany's first and celebrated post-war public broadcaster -  also known as "Das Erste" (The First).The Far Right AfD (Alternative for German) made stunning gains in recent state elections in eastern German in Thuringia and Saxony, throwing mainstream parties into a funk and causing shockwaves across Europe. What does this mean for Germany 80 less than 80 years after the defeat of the Nazis?Annette, @annettedittert also a filmmaker, columnist and author, talks about the huge widespread disillusionment Germans share about the current coalition government led by the Social Democrat chancellor Olaf Scholz. There is also  growing popular dismay over the state of Germany itself where nothing, as with spades in the UK, seems to work any more.What can be done to counter the threat of the AfD which is profoundly anti-EU, and anti-immigrant and is seen to be a cheerleader for Vladimir Putin and opponent of aid to Ukraine?Anglophile Annette also talks about her depression over the state of the UK under the 3 year Boris Johnson shit show and how Brexit has helped destroy the UK's reputation and and power in Germany and elsewhere, to the point where few Germans now appear interested in what happens there.Support the showListen to The Lowdown from Nick Cohen for in-depth analysis of the issues and events that shape our lives and futures. From Ukraine to Brexit, from Trump to the Tories - we hope to keep you informed - and sane! @NickCohen4

After three weeks of general calm, we welcome Nic back to the podcast, fresh from some serious holiday adventuring. Before we can get to that though, there's some admin to cover, and an important question to ask: how come the podcast gets the best reviews when Nic is away? We probably all know, but better not to tell him…We take some time to pick through the recent and rather depressing results from state elections in Sachsen & Thuringia, and ponder how to form a government from the disparate selection of political parties that have been elected. On a less serious note, we finish the show on Nic's time away, and find out whether eating lamb for every meal is a good idea, and find out what it's like to be 300 meters away from Adele. For those of you looking to support Ukraine or the many refugees fleeing the conflict, please take a look at these different charities and consider donating if you can.Ukraine Crisis Media Centre - A list of different donation pages to help the Ukrainian military response.Disaster Emergency Committee - Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Save the ChildrenÄrzte ohne GrenzenTheme tune courtesy of Kloß mit Soß

For episode 170, returning guest Musa Okwonga talks to Elia Ayoub about a piece he wrote, "The Hatred Is Accelerating", on racism and the far right in Germany. This was recorded on 31 August 2024, a day before the fascist AfD party won top place in Thuringia and second in Saxony in the state elections. The Fire These Times is a proud member of ⁠From The Periphery (FTP) Media Collective⁠. How to Support: on ⁠Patreon⁠ or on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠. You'll get early access to all podcasts, exclusive audio and video episodes, an invitation to join ⁠our monthly hangouts⁠, and more. Previous TFTT episodes with Musa Okwonga We Need to Talk About Twitter w/ Musa Okwonga and Justin Salhani Football is Political: #Qatar2022, Russia and What Comes Next w/ Musa Okwonga and Justin Salhani Special 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Retrospective w/ Musa Okwonga, Fabien Goa and Justin Salhani In the End, It Was All About Love w/ Musa Okwonga Being the Good Immigrant in an Ungrateful Country w/ Musa Okwonga Check out 2018 article by Musa: Berliners have shown how to stop the march of the far right The Far Right is Not Inevitable with Aurelien Mondon The work of Jakob Springfeld and Philipp Ruch. Also: Polylulx and International Women* Space First video essay on YouTube by Ayman Makarem: Zionism from the Standpoint of Its Victims and subscribe to our channel Elia Ayoub's newsletter Hauntologies.net Recommended reads and listens: Critical Muslim: German Redemption Theology by Adnan Delalic London Review of Books: Memory Failure by Pankaj Mishra 972Mag: Germany's anti-Palestinian censorship turns on Jews by Hebh Jamal Jewish Currents' "On The Nose Podcast" The Trouble with Germany, part I Jewish Currents' "On The Nose Podcast" The Trouble with Germany, part II Granta: Once Again, Germany defines who is a Jew, part I by George Prochnik, Eyal Weizman & Emily Dische-Becker Granta: Once Again, Germany defines who is a Jew, part II by George Prochnik, Eyal Weizman & Emily Dische-Becker IWriteStuff.Blog: The Jewish and Arab Questions, and European Fascism by Elia Ayoub The Palestinian Question as a Jewish Question by Raef Zreik Books by Musa Okwonga (website):Please support your local bookshops and public libraries by ordering them there whenever possible. In The End, It Was All About Love One of Them: An Eton College Memoir Striking Out: The Debut Novel from Superstar Striker Ian Wright Raheem Sterling (Football Legends #1) with Stanley Chow Eating Roses for Dinner A Cultured Left Foot: The Eleven Elements of Footballing Greatness Transcriptions: Transcriptions will be by Antidotezine and published on The Fire These Times. Pluggables: The Fire These Times in on ⁠the website⁠ ⁠and ⁠Instagram⁠  From The Periphery in on ⁠Patreon⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, the website⁠ and ⁠Twitter Elia Ayoub is on ⁠Mastodon⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, Twitter⁠, ⁠and ⁠Bluesky⁠, and check out his newsletter and website Credits: Host(s): Elia Ayoub | Guest(s): Musa Okwonga | Producers: Aydın Yıldız, Elia Ayoub, Israa Abdel Fattah, Ayman Makarem and Leila Al-Shami | Music: ⁠⁠Rap and Revenge⁠⁠ | TFTT theme design: ⁠⁠Wenyi Geng⁠⁠ | FTP theme design: Hisham Rifai | Sound editor: Elliott Miskovicz | Team profile pics: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Molly Crabapple⁠⁠⁠ | Episode design: Elia Ayoub From The Periphery is built by Elia Ayoub, Leila Al-Shami, Ayman Makarem, Dana El Kurd, Karena Avedissian, Daniel Voskoboynik, Anna M, Aydın Yıldız, Ed S, Alice Bonfatti, Israa Abdel Fattah, with more joining soon! The Fire These Times by Elia Ayoub is licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Following the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, attempts are underway to bring together governable majorities. Is this task solvable? Dieter Herrmann, editor-in-chief of WEEK IN AUSTRALIA, is not optimistic. - Nach den Landtagswahlen in Sachsen und Thüringen laufen Versuche, regierungsfähige Mehrheiten zusammenzubringen. Ist diese Aufgabe lösbar? Dieter Herrmann, Chefredakteur der WOCHE IN AUSTRALIEN ist nicht optimistisch.

Today, we look at Michel Barnier's surprise selection as French Prime Minister, and a “historic success” for the far-right in Germany.The EU's former Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has been named as the new French prime minister in a surprise announcement by Emmanuel Macron. But will this finally break the deadlock in Paris?And, Germany's anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won the election in the eastern state of Thuringia. But how much of a threat are they to the current government?Adam is joined by Mujtaba Rahman, Europe managing director at the Eurasia Group, Rym Momtaz, editor in chief of Strategic Europe at Carnegie Europe, and Katya Adler, BBC Europe editor. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by the “famous” Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Gemma Roper and Sam Mclaren. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.

As Pavel Durov remains in French hands, we're wondering whether Europe can finally develop its own Silicon Valley simply by mass detention of top entrepreneurial talent.Or whether perhaps this is the desperate last whelp of a society increasingly bypassed by the global tech economy. Meanwhile, in Germany, the story of the day is that the AfD have taken a great swath of Thuringia and Saxony, while Sara Wagenknecht has gobbled the rest. This is democracy in action – so can it be stopped? At the same time, the EU is redefining its central budget. For member states, that 1.2 trillion annual pocket money is no longer free - it will be conditional on economic reforms. We're about to find out what exactly Slovenia is prepared to do for its slice. Better yet, what will Hungary do?Finally, as Turkey applies to be the latest BRIC, we're wondering: is this the point when it's quicker to build a new acronym from states who aren't in the club?As you may have noticed, this week is an extended, four-story gutbuster of an episode. That's because it's Premium Week – and we believe in giving our Patreons a little extra on the side. And round the back.If you want to join the club, you too can sign up on Patreon to listen to the full version - it's 5 Pounds, Euros or Dollars a month. Cancel any time. Simply go to https://www.Patreon.com/multipolarity.

After the state election is before the state election. After extreme parties from the left and right margins had great success with voters in Thuringia and Saxony over the weekend, the state elections in Brandenburg are due in two weeks. There, too, the AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance will terrify the established political parties. In order to prevent the worst, the Government has invited the opposition CDU/CSU Union and the federal states to talks on migration policy. CDU leader Merz has immediately issued a hard-hitting ultimatum that is causing distress to the government. - Nach der Landtagswahl ist vor der Landtagswahl. Nachdem am Wochenende in Thüringen und Sachsen Extremparteien vom linken und rechten Rand große Erfolge bei den Wählern verbucht hatten, steht in zwei Wochen die Landtagswahl in Brandenburg an. Auch dort werden AfD und das Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht den Altpartien einen gehörigen Schrecken einjagen. Um das Schlimmste zu verhindern, haben Ampel Koalition, CDU/CSU Union und die Bundesländer hektisch zu Gesprächen zu Migrationspolitik eingeladen. CDU-Chef Merz hat dazu gleich mal ein knallhartes Ultimatum gestellt, das die Regierung in Bedrängnis bringt.

Many immigrants to Germany are worried about the rise of the anti-immigrant AfD party, which recently won the state election in Thuringia. This is the first far-right victory in Germany since World War II. Should Africans in Thuringia be concerned? Eddy Micah Jr. discusses with experts Elizabeth Horleman, Jakkie Cilliers and DW's Michaela Küffner.

Sumantra joins Helen and Spencer to talk about the changing presidential odds, North Carolina and Arizona, and Elon Musk's travails in Brazil. Picks of the week: Helen: "The Cartel Takeover in Colorado Is a Dispatch from the Future," Collin Pruett Spencer: "The Biden Impeachment Report Is a Hollow Vindication," Peter van Buren Sumantra: "Foreign Affairs Election Results in Thuringia and Saxony Spark More AfD Derangement Syndrome," Phillip Linderman

The far-right party AfD has won a state election in Thuringia, Germany. SUBTITLES Find full subtitles for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2024/240904 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English for Work ✔️ Learning English Stories They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

In state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to first and second place, respectively, with over 30 percent of the vote in both states. …

Israel's main union federation says hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in a strike to demand the government reach a deal with Hamas to free hostages from Gaza. A court has now ordered them to return to work.Also in the programme: Germany's far right AfD party wins Thuringia state election; and Sir Ian McKellen on continuing his acting career after a fall on stage.(Picture: Israeli protesters during an Israeli hostages families' protest in Tel Aviv. Credit: ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

In Germany, the far-right AfD won the largest share of the vote in Thuringia's state elections. That and high support levels for the AfD and the far-left BSW in eastern Germany remind investors that prejudice politics is widespread and persistent. Industrial revolutions create insecurity about jobs, income, and social status. The causes are complex, but people crave simplicity. Blaming a scapegoat (scapegoat economics) offers simplicity, and encourages prejudice politics.

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. Rocket Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities, Sash Tusa of the independent equity research firm Agency Partners, and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian discuss Wall Street ended the week strong before the Labor Day holiday, the US government hits RTX with a $200 million fine for improperly sharing technology with China as analysts ask whether more companies will also be penalized, Serbia orders Rafale fighters by Dassault Aviation while Thailand opts for the E- and F-model of the Gripen by Saab, whey Airbus and Sikorsky both decided against bidding for a UK helicopter contract, UK defense budget outlook as Starmer government makes clear cuts are coming, Britain and Germany strike a wide-ranging treaty that spans defense, science, technology and deeper economic cooperation, defense industrial implications as Germany's right wing AFD party gains ground in Thuringia, and Britain concludes arms being used by Israel in Gaza could be used in violation of international humanitarian law, immediately suspending 30 licenses for components for fighter planes, helicopters and drones.

Thuringia may represent just two percent of Germany's population, but the eastern region is hardly an outlier. The far-right finishing first in Sunday's regional elections while also surging in nearby Saxony. True, the AfD, whose lead candidate Bjorn Hocke was twice fined this year for using Nazi-era slogans at rallies, will not be in government. It is precisely with the Nazis in mind that Germany hard baked moderation and compromise into its federal system. Still, how will these results impact policy both in Berlin and in Brussels?There is another layer of Germany's past evoked with these elections: the sudden inroads by anti-immigrant left wing populist Sarah Wagenknecht, formerly of the Communist-rooted Die Linke party, plays to a “make East Germany great again” sentiment among voters frustrated by western-looking policy makers. Both her BSW and the AfD denounce military support for Ukraine and enjoy warm relations with Russia, where all the Cold War era nostalgia can only be music to Vladimir Putin's ears.  Produced by Alessandro Xenos, Rebecca Gnignati and Juliette Brown.

*) Netanyahu responsible for truce talks' failure, lives of captives — Hamas Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US administration for the failure of negotiations to halt the war on Gaza. In a statement, Hamas said that full responsibility for the lives of the prisoners lies with the Israeli army – which has killed several captives. The statement said Israel's attempts to mislead public opinion through deception is done in order to evade responsibility for the current deadlock in the negotiations. *) Over 72,000 children receive vaccinations in Gaza despite Israeli war Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has managed to vaccinate more than 72,000 children on the first day of a polio vaccination campaign. This comes despite an ongoing Israeli offensive. Hundreds of children who received vaccinations showed signs of fatigue and malnutrition, according to medical teams at centres in Deir al Balah. The vaccination drive is being conducted in collaboration with the WHO, UNICEF and UNRWA. *) Azerbaijan's ruling party dominates parliamentary election: initial results Azerbaijan's ruling New Azerbaijan Party, or YAP, has won the parliamentary elections held over the weekend. According to the initial results, YAP, led by President Ilham Aliyev, won 68 seats out of a possible 125 seats in the National Assembly. There were 6.4 million registered voters and turnout was 37.27 percent. *) German far-right AfD wins first state election Germany's far-right AfD has won a landmark first regional vote in the erstwhile East German state of Thuringia in a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz ahead of national elections in 2025. The AfD took between 30.5 and 33.5 percent of the vote in Thuringia,with the conservative CDU in second place at around 24.5 percent. *) Türkiye denounces ‘Famagusta' digital series for distorting Cyprus history Türkiye has criticised the upcoming digital series called "Famagusta" for promoting Greek Cypriot propaganda by distorting historical events. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the series constitutes a great disrespect to the cherished memories of the Turkish Cypriots who were massacred by the Greek Cypriot gangs between 1963-74. Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar also condemned Netflix's acquisition of the series, which he described as “black propaganda.”

We are live in Dresden, Germany where the AfD has claimed victory in the state of Thuringia and placed a close second behind the CDU in Saxony. Chinese manufacturing data shows the steepest decline in factory growth in six months, pushing Chinese equities into the red. In Israel, tens of thousands take to the streets to protest the lack of a ceasefire deal in Gaza, following the murder of six Israeli hostages in the territory. Brazil's supreme court orders social media platform X to be shut down as CEO Elon Musk refuses to comply with the country's censorship regulation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More shock in Germany after the far-right secured its first post-war victory in state elections. Alternative for Germany, or AFD, has won almost 33% of the vote in the eastern state of Thuringia yesterday. However, it's believed rival parties will cooperate to keep it out of power. Correspondent Catherine Field told Mike Hosking AFD goes against everything Germany has stood for since the Second World War.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany's far-right has secured its first state parliament win since the second World War. The anti-immigration party Alternative for Germany won a third of the vote in the eastern state of Thuringia - but may not be able to form a Government. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this news has sent shockwaves across the EU. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exit polls suggest the far right Alternative for Germany is on course to win a state election for the first time. The party is predicted to win around 33% percent of the votes in Thuringia and in the neighbouring state of Saxony, exit polls put the AfD in second place.Also in the programme: Protests have erupted in Israel after six hostages were killed in Gaza, increasing the pressure on Binyamin Netanyahu's government; and an opera version of the famous UK fictional detective Sherlock Holmes goes on stage. (Picture: Right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) top candidate Bjoern Hoecke gives thumbs up on the day of the Thuringia state election in Erfurt, Germany, September 1. Credit: Reuters).

According to surveys, two far-right and left-wing parties are ahead in the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia. Are there signs of a profound political change in Germany? Dieter Herrmann, editor-in-chief of WOCHE IN AUSTRALIA, answers this question. - Nach Umfragen liegen bei den Landtagswahlen in Sachsen und Thüringen zwei rechts- und linksradikale Parteien in der Gunst der Wähler vorn. Zeichnet sich eine tiefe politische Veränderung in Deutschland ab? Diese Frage beantwortet Dieter Herrmann, Chefredakteur der WOCHE IN AUSTRALIEN.

The eastern German regions of Saxony and Thuringia are holding elections this coming Sunday and the far-right AfD party is ahead in the polls. Its leaders are proposing a raft of measures designed to limit immigration and the arrival of more asylum seekers in their regions. If they win power, they are vowing to implement "zero immigration" and a deleterious atmosphere for those who are already in Germany and well integrated. Some 37,000 Syrians are currently in Saxony, with almost 55,000 in Thuringia. As anti-immigrant sentiment grows in Germany, with towns complaining that capacity is already overstretched, some refugees are wondering if they are still welcome. FRANCE 24's Anne Mailliet and John Laurenson report.

Elections will be held in Saxony and Thuringia on September 1. Benjam Kanthak and Wolfgang Müller discuss what is happening in the two federal states in the former GDR - Am 1. September wird in in Sachsen und Thüringen gewählt. Was in den beiden Bundesländern in der ehemaligen DDR passiert, diskutieren Benjam Kanthak und Wolfgang Mueller

One of the many things I love about living in France is discovering the history and stories of the people who lived here centuries ago.And Sainte Radegonde, born in Thuringia, now part of modern-day Germany, who lived in the 6th century, has a story worth telling. From being abducted by the Franks at the tender age of eleven and forced into marriage to King Clotaire I to fighting dragons and becoming a nun, her life was no picnic.But who was the woman behind the story, and why is she still celebrated today as the ‘Protector of Poitiers'?You're about to find out as we walk the streets of Poitiers and discover how this city has survived the wars of religion and so much more to become a famous university town that has well and truly stamped its place on the French map.For full notes and details on today's episode, follow the links below:Discover the City of PoitiersThe Life & Legend of Sainte RadegondeI'm Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you'll discover sections covering:City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.French Travel News - discover what's happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.If there is anything you'd like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

The eastern German states of Saxony and Thuringia will vote in state elections on September 1, and Brandenburg will vote on September 22. The populist radical-right Alternative for Germany (Alternative …

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 372The Saint of the day is Blessed Jutta of ThuringiaBlessed Jutta of Thuringia's Story Today's patroness of Prussia began her life amidst luxury and power but died the death of a simple servant of the poor. In truth, virtue and piety were always of prime importance to Jutta and her husband, both of noble rank. The two were set to make a pilgrimage together to the holy places in Jerusalem, but her husband died on the way. The newly widowed Jutta, after taking care to provide for her children, resolved to live in a manner she felt was utterly pleasing to God. She disposed of the costly clothes, jewels, and furniture befitting one of her rank, and became a Secular Franciscan, taking on the simple garment of a religious. From that point her life was utterly devoted to others: caring for the sick, particularly lepers; tending to the poor, whom she visited in their hovels; helping the crippled and blind with whom she shared her own home. Many of the townspeople of Thuringia laughed at how the once-distinguished lady now spent all her time. But Jutta saw the face of God in the poor and felt honored to render whatever services she could. About the year 1260, not long before her death, Jutta lived near the non-Christians in eastern Germany. There she built a small hermitage and prayed unceasingly for their conversion. She has been venerated for centuries as the special patron of Prussia. Reflection Jesus once said that a camel can pass through a needle's eye more easily than a rich person can enter God's realm. That's pretty scary news for us. We may not have great fortunes, but we who live in the West enjoy a share of the world's goods that people in the rest of the world cannot imagine. Much to the amusement of her neighbors, Jutta disposed of her wealth after her husband's death and devoted her life to caring for those who had no means. Should we follow her example, people will probably laugh at us, too. But God will smile. Blessed Jutta of Thuringia is the Patron Saint of: Prussia Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Innovation is an inherently risky business. When we push the boundaries of possibility and try to develop new products, processes or services, we are by definition moving into areas that are new and unexplored. A key consequence of this is that innovation sometimes – or even often – results in failure. But why is this? And are all innovation failures the same?To explore this further, I am delighted to be joined by Dr Elena Freisinger who, together with Professor Ian McCarthy of Simon Fraser University, has recently published on just this topic.About our guest…Elena Freisinger is an Assistant Professor of Innovation Management at Ilmenau University of Technology in Thuringia, Germany.Elena's research focuses on the behavioral aspects of Innovation Management, and she investigates the behavior of innovation decision-makers with regard to technological and environmental change and how this affects innovation management and business models of organizations. The article discussed is open access and can be downloaded from here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166497224000452You can find out more about Elena and her research here:https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/universitaet/fakultaeten/fakultaet-wirtschaftswissenschaften-und-medien/profil/institute-und-fachgebiete/fachgebiet-innovationsmanagement/team/elena-freisingerhttps://scholar.google.com/citations?user=N1Qp6bcAAAAJ&hl=de Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hamas sees no sign of Israel agreeing to Biden's truce plan https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-hamas-sees-no-sign-of-israel-agreeing-to-bidens-truce-plan-18172710 Hamas said it has shown “full positivity” in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Israel in Gaza. In a statement, the Palestinian resistance group said it urged the US to pressure Israel to accept a deal leading to a permanent ceasefire in the blockaded enclave. Hamas said that while US officials have said Israel has accepted a ceasefire proposal outlined by President Joe Biden on May 31 and later backed by the US, the group has not not heard any Israeli official confirm the development. *) Israel keeps 9,170 Palestinians captive against 116 Israelis Hamas holds https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israel-keeps-9170-palestinians-captive-against-116-israelis-hamas-holds-18172722 The detention disparity is clear. Even as the global powers are pressing Hamas to release 116 Israeli hostages, there's minimal demand for Israel from the same powers to free more than 9,170 Palestinians it has abducted since October last year. According to the Palestinian Prisoners' Club, Israeli authorities have committed “horrific crimes” against prisoners, leading to at least 18 deaths since Israel's brutal war began, while it is estimated that dozens of detainees from Gaza have been killed. *) Russian nuclear-powered submarine, other naval vessels dock in Cuba https://www.trtworld.com/latin-america/russian-nuclear-powered-submarine-other-naval-vessels-dock-in-cuba-18172706 A Russian nuclear-powered submarine and other naval vessels have arrived in Cuba for a five-day visit in a show of force amid spiralling US-Russian tensions. The submarine Kazan, which Cuba says is not carrying nuclear weapons, was accompanied by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, as well as an oil tanker and a salvage tug. Russia's Defence Ministry said in a statement that prior to entering the Havana port, the fleet “completed an exercise on the use of high-precision missile weapons.” *) Amid far-right surge, Ramelow warns of division between east, west Germans https://www.trtworld.com/europe/amid-far-right-surge-ramelow-warns-of-division-between-east-west-germans-18172546 The electoral show by the far-right AfD party in the just-concluded European elections could drive a wedge between East and West Germany, the top elected official of the country's Thuringia province has said. Minister-President Bodo Ramelow of the German free state of Thuringia warned that “emotional unity is breaking down.” Ramelow told a local newspaper that in social networks after the European elections, many users were questioning “where is the gratitude of East Germans,” adding that such comments weren't needed right now. And finally… *) More than 1.5M Muslims arrive in Mecca for annual Hajj pilgrimage https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/more-than-15m-muslims-arrive-in-mecca-for-annual-hajj-pilgrimage-18172453 Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Islam's holiest city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia ahead of the start of Hajj later this week Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country, the vast majority by air, from across the world. More are expected, and hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others living in Saudi Arabia will also join them when the pilgrimage officially begins on Friday.

Megan and Konrad are full of the joys of summer this week because the people of Thuringia went to the polls — and slightly fewer of them voted for SS apologists than normal. Meanwhile, top COVID explainer Karl Lauterbach is overhauling Germany's absurdly expensive healthcare system, and kindly, white-haired President Walter says a rude word. Ahoy! Megan's Megacan theme song by Eden Ottignon from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Planet OTT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Buy us a round, ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/megansmegacan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megans-megacan/subscribe⁠⁠⁠ Or follow us on whichever evil billionaire's data-mining machine you prefer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/megansmegacan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MegansMegacan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-o_U5nqe4_-yKfOm1CXOPA⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/megans-megacan/message

After the death of Rudolf von Habsburg the Prince Electors chose another, now truly impecunious count, Adolf von Nassau to be king. They chose him over Rudolf's son Albrecht and over the overwhelmingly most powerful prince in the empire, King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia. This cultured and competent man became known to German history as a Schattenkönig, a shadow of a king, unable to wiggle out of his ties to the overbearing Electors. Acting as mercenary in the pay of king Edward of England and failing to create his own Hausmacht in Thuringia, many history books skip over his six years on the throne.Nevertheless, the events of his election and deposition form another crossroads in the history of the German lands that set the Holy Roman empire further down the path to become neither Holy, nor Roman nor an Empire.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

You read correctly: The Bach Store is back. In Erfurt, Thuringia, the state from where the Bachs hail. I will play for five hours, March 14-28, 12.00-18.00 GMT +1 (7AM-1PM EST.) You can (hopefully) stream the whole run on my youtube. Subscribe HERE.Or go to: www.youtube.com/@wtfbachHere is the latest video I mentioned in the podcast.Bach Store Merchandise is available on request. Send an email to bach (at) wtfbach (dot com)—Meanwhile, the music in today's episode comes from the “Neumeister Collection,” a collection of over 80 chorale preludes from multiple composers, published for the first time in 1985. More than 30 of the pieces come from J.S. Bach ca. 1700, when the composer was only 15 year old. Hence one of the newest Bach discoveries showed us the youngest portraits of the composer. I played three of them, one on a ‘real' organ (Saint Anne's, London) and two on Organteq (by Modartt.) —How To Support This Podcast:https://www.paypal.me/wtfbachhttps://venmo.com/wtfbachhttps://cash.app/$wtfbachor become a paid subscriber at wtfbach.substack.com Get full access to WTF Bach at wtfbach.substack.com/subscribe

TONIGHT: The show begijns on Wall Street where the Mgnificent Seven ride unchallenged as the stocks of the moment.  Then to the Gulf where the Biden Administration has banned new LNG port building.  To Berlin, to Thuringia, to Perth and theUK. To King Charles departing the London Clinic in his double breated overcoat. To the Gulf and talk of retaliation, to Gaza and the UNWRA scandal.To Beijing and the Evergrande collapse. 1967 Berlin.

In the final episode of 2023, Sola and Danner look ahead to 2024. They discuss three issues that will influence a number of elections in 2024: the immigration crisis, the war in Ukraine, and the macroeconomic situation. They then use these issues as a lens to analyze five upcoming elections: the Russian presidential elections in March; the EU parliamentary elections in June; the east German state elections in Brandenburg, Thuringia, and Saxony in September; the expected parliamentary elections in the UK; and the mother of all presidential elections in the USA in November.

Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious Lectionary: 495The Saint of the day is Saint Elizabeth of HungarySaint Elizabeth of Hungary's Story In her short life, Elizabeth manifested such great love for the poor and suffering that she has become the patroness of Catholic charities and of the Secular Franciscan Order. The daughter of the King of Hungary, Elizabeth chose a life of penance and asceticism when a life of leisure and luxury could easily have been hers. This choice endeared her in the hearts of the common people throughout Europe. At the age of 14, Elizabeth was married to Louis of Thuringia, whom she deeply loved. She bore three children. Under the spiritual direction of a Franciscan friar, she led a life of prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor and sick. Seeking to become one with the poor, she wore simple clothing. Daily she would take bread to hundreds of the poorest in the land who came to her gate. After six years of marriage, her husband died in the Crusades, and Elizabeth was grief-stricken. Her husband's family looked upon her as squandering the royal purse, and mistreated her, finally throwing her out of the palace. The return of her husband's allies from the Crusades resulted in her being reinstated, since her son was legal heir to the throne. In 1228, Elizabeth joined the Secular Franciscan Order, spending the remaining few years of her life caring for the poor in a hospital which she founded in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Elizabeth's health declined, and she died before her 24th birthday in 1231. Her great popularity resulted in her canonization four years later. Reflection Elizabeth understood well the lesson Jesus taught when he washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper: The Christian must be one who serves the humblest needs of others, even if one serves from an exalted position. Of royal blood, Elizabeth could have lorded it over her subjects. Yet she served them with such a loving heart that her brief life won for her a special place in the hearts of many. Elizabeth is also an example to us in her following the guidance of a spiritual director. Growth in the spiritual life is a difficult process. We can play games very easily if we don't have someone to challenge us. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary is the Patron Saint of: BakersCatholic CharitiesSecular Franciscan Order Get to know these 14 holy women! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Polls in Germany suggest the far-right political party Alternative for Germany, or AfD—with its antisemitic, anti-Muslim, anti-EU, and other extreme views—has support from a fifth of German voters. Hear from Felix Klein, the Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight Against Antisemitism, and an AJC Project Interchange Alum, on what has contributed to the rise of AfD, why the party threatens German Jews, and the danger it presents to Germany's democracy.  *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC.  Episode Lineup:  (0:40) Felix Klein Show Notes: Read: A Roadmap for America: AJC's Experience in Europe Is Helping the U.S. Fight Antisemitism German Antisemitism Czar Says Calling Israel 'Apartheid' Is Antisemitic Listen: What the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism Means for Jewish College Students Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, tag us on social media with #PeopleofthePod, and hop onto Apple Podcasts to rate us and write a review, to help more listeners find us. __ Transcript of Interview with Felix Klein: Manya Brachear Pashman:   Polls in Germany suggest the far right political party Alternative for Germany has support from a fifth of German voters. In some states, such as Thuringia, the AfD has the support of more than a third. This past weekend, the party met to select its candidates for the European parliament, where it has joined a far right bloc that will boost EU funding for the party.  Here to discuss how that affects Germany's Jewish community is Felix Klein, Germany's first Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism. Felix, welcome back to People of the Pod. Felix Klein:   Hello, it's a great pleasure to be here again with you. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So tell us a little bit about Alternative for Germany or AfD, as it's often referred to, and explain for our audience why it was founded 10 years ago? Felix Klein:   Well, AfD was founded in light of the big financial crisis. It was at the time, about 10 years ago, it was questionable at all whether the euro, as one of the most prestigious and most important European projects, could continue as a currency, as a common European currency, because countries like Greece were heavily indebted. And there was a big discussion whether to, to kick Greece out of the Euro system, or, and it was differently decided. O  r to keep it in the EU, of course, and in the Euro system.  And the then-Chancellor Angela Merkel said there is no alternative to that. No alternative for the solution suggested by the government. And there were many people in Germany that were not happy with that, saying, Oh, yes, there is an Alternative for Germany. And that was also the title of this new party, the Alternative for Germany. So it started really, with people who were not happy with the policy towards the European Union and the European solidarity. It didn't start so radical as it is now. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So how did it become as radical as it is now? And why are we seeing a bit of a resurgence? Felix Klein:   Well, in times of crisis and uncertainty people are unfortunately, I think that happens when many democracies are more open to populist ideas and parties. And that happens, many countries, including Germany, and AfD, was successful in getting support of those who were not happy with the decisions of the government in Corona, pandemic, from 2020. And now, last year, with the War of Russia, attacking Ukraine, again, we had a strike of uncertainty, energy prices went up in Germany, people are uncertain of what to do, many are not satisfied with the way the government deals with all these issues. And this is another explanation why AFD was able and successful to catch support, particularly in Eastern Germany. Manya Brachear Pashman:   But it sounds like it also has values that go beyond fiscal responsibility or the economy.  Felix Klein:   Yes, it's beyond the economy. So as I told you, AFD started off with economic issues, but unfortunately, it was attracted by people who have very, very problematic views. And to people who would deny or distort the Holocaust. People will say it was for a long time anyway, Germany was dominated by foreign powers by the EU, and you hear what they're saying this is antisemitic thoughts and narratives. And those people became more influential by the party over time. And what we've seen now, where this party really now chose candidates for the European elections who actually are in against the European Union. Many of them want Germany to leave the EU. There you see how radical it has come, they're also anti-Muslim. This is maybe the most important narrative, anti-migration, anti-Muslim, anti-EU. And of course, with all of that comes also antisemitic narratives. So this is why I'm very, very concerned about the success of this party. And I've expressed it openly in an interview that was published in Welt am Sonntag last Sunday. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You just mentioned that this party appeals to those who deny or distort the Holocaust. How so? Felix Klein:   Holocaust distortion is a very common idea in this party. Up to 20% of the Germans think that we should not talk so much anymore about the atrocities committed by the Nazis, that we have to look forward, etc. So, it is not a big surprise that, of course, anything that downgrades, if I may say so, the horrors committed by Germans in the Holocaust, and in the Second World War, in general, is very common.  Very prominent figures of the AfD call really for a cut, which is illogical anyway, you cannot cut yourself off of your own history as a country. But many of these voices call for a different remembrance culture, that it is a shame for Germany that it constructed the Holocaust Memorial in the heart of Berlin. Germany should not be so shameful with itself. And unfortunately, many people agree to this kind of ideas. So holocaust distortion is a big thing. Holocaust denial, it's not so much of a problem. But of course, anything that kind of makes the Holocaust less, less cruel or less incredible, as it was, is welcomed by this party. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I want to go back to the topic of the European Union, because one of the reasons why Alternative for Germany joined this far-right bloc was to boost EU funding for the party, but yet it's calling for the dissolution of the EU, or at least for Germany to withdraw. Can you explain that calculus? Felix Klein:   Well, it's, of course very contradictory. On one hand, you call for European funds. And anyway Germany is, I think, the one of the countries that really is taking advantage of the most of the European Union, our industry is heavily export-oriented. One out of four workers in Germany depend on international trade, and of course, it would be very much against German interest to leave the EU. On the other hand, it is a very common narrative in Germany to blame the EU for many developments and decisions taken by the government and they do not have a problem calling these two things at the same time. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So besides Holocaust distortion, is there other antisemitic rhetoric coming from this party that you see, or fear threatens Jewish life in Germany?  Felix Klein:   Yeah, one of them, clearly I see conspiracy theories being very popular within the AfD voters and a very concrete danger for Jewish life is a motion the AfD has tried to introduce into our parliament that would have banned kosher slaughtering. And fortunately, it didn't go through of course, but if you ban kosher meat, with the argument for animal protection, then of course, you violate the basic right of religion. Because the way you would like to eat is a part of the freedom of religion and fortunately, the motion didn't go through but you'll see that the AfD is really in that very concretely threatening Jewish life in Germany.  Another thing is, of course, they are on first hand very anti Muslim, anti migration. But it is a common fact that anti Muslim hatred is very much linked to antisemitism actually and the way they also talk about Israel as being a big and important factor against the Muslims shows the whole narrative of, to say that Israel is there also to keep Muslims out, is very dangerous. Because I think we all agree that Israel is not against the Muslims, or it's not an anti-Arabic country, as such, but this is what the AfD would like people to believe. Manya Brachear Pashman:   In other words, championing Israel, for motives that don't belong to Israel, in other words, assigning motives to Israel that don't even exist. Felix Klein:   It triggers a discussion about Israel, which is absolutely bad, not only for Israel, but also for the Jews living here, because they then have to have an opinion about Israel. And it is complicated enough anyway for the Jews who live in Germany, to explain to non Jews that they are not ambassadors or representatives of the Jewish state here, that they are normal German citizens, and of course, they might have an opinion about Israel. But they are by no means representatives of Israel. I think you have the same discussions in the US, where many people think that American Jews represent the Jewish state. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you have also warned that there are not just antisemitic forces, but anti-democratic forces at work in this party. What do you mean by that? I mean, is that in reference to how they denigrate the EU? Or are other other things in play? Felix Klein:   I refer to the conspiracy theories I already mentioned, which are as such anti democratic, because anybody who believes in a conspiracy theory thing has a problem with democracy. And I would say 99% of the conspiracy theories have an antisemitic content in the end. Because the theory is that a small group of privileged people, in brackets, the Jews, take advantage and profit from a uncertain and difficult situation at the expense of, of everybody, a small group gets an advantage. And this is what leading figures in the AfD also emanate. And of course, this is not only antisemitic, but also anti-democratic. Manya Brachear Pashman:   They really are one in the same. If you're anti democratic, then you're probably anti semitic and vice versa. Felix Klein:   Once again, I cannot reiterate enough, that shows that antisemitism is anti-democratic as such, and if you turn it around, every success we have in the fight against antisemitism is a fight for our democracy. It is really directly linked. I think it's like a litmus test we have in our society. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So what other questions should people ask to measure a candidate or a party's democratic ideals? Certainly listening out for conspiracy theories or antisemitic rhetoric? Are there other litmus tests? Felix Klein:   Yeah, of course, well first off, particularly in Germany, every politician should make it clear that he or she distances himself or herself from the horrors of the Nazi past. I mean, our democracy is the answer to the horrors of the Third Reich. And if you don't make that clear, or if you leave it uncertain, then you have a problem. And this is what voters should actively ask candidates: do you really think that the Holocaust is singular in history? Or is it an atrocity, like any other atrocity that was also committed by other people in history? This has to be made very, very clear. And I hope that in the coming elections, people will ask these questions. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I love what you said about how every victory against antisemitism is a victory for democracy. They really do go hand in hand.  And I want to switch gears a little bit and talk about the EU's Digital Services Act, which takes effect this month in fact. Now for our audience members who aren't familiar with this, this is a new law that will require internet platforms like Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, to not only delete unlawful content, but also provide information about those publishing that information, to the police. Some people would say this is not democratic. Others would say, Oh, yes, it is. So can you speak to that, to that criticism and whether you think this law will make a difference in the fight for democracy and against antisemitism. Felix Klein:   The main number of antisemitic crimes committed in Germany happens in the internet. Holocaust distortion, particularly, but also incitement of the people. More than two thirds of all antisemitic crimes are committed there. And if you look at the antisemitic incidents below the threshold of crime rate, it's even more. So we have to get and develop new instruments in combating antisemitism online. And the idea is very simple. Whatever is punishable offline should be also punished online. So any sentence you could be punished for, like an incitement of the people in the real world should also be punishable when you do it on the internet. It's very, very simple. And that is, this is a very simple idea of the EU Digital Services Act.  And in the past, of course, it was very difficult for police and prosecutors to trace the perpetrators and the main people now we want to involve, or big organizations, is the internet platforms because they have access to the IP addresses of those who spread antisemitism and hate speech. And we have to make them responsible.  So I think this is a very, very good instrument in fighting antisemitism online, I would even say it is a game changer. We have had pilot projects in Germany, where prosecutors who actually then found out with their means the perpetrators who spread antisemitism and will then get counter pressure from the state. So for instance, when the police car is in front of their homes, and the neighbors are watching, these people do not spread antisemitism anymore, they are impressed that the states can defend itself or defend its citizens and go against hate speech.  I think this will be very effective. And we I'm very happy that the federal police office here in Germany has now founded offices to and departments to be ready for the new law. And as you said, yeah, it is getting affected soon. And this is, I think, a very good example, that democracy is not self-evident. It has to defend itself. And freedom of speech has its limits, at least in our European concept. You cannot say anything you would like if you violate the rights of others. And this is a clear case. Manya Brachear Pashman:   The White House just recently released the US national strategy to counter antisemitism. And you and other envoys traveled here to the United States to advise the officials who were developing that strategy. In fact, the last time you were on this podcast, it was to talk about that trip. Did you talk about the limits on free speech during that trip with officials, the need to hold social media platforms accountable? Because what the EU is doing is not happening here. Not yet, at least. Felix Klein:   We talked about this, of course, but I'm aware of the legal situation in the US where you have a different concept of the freedom of speech, that the First Amendment of the US Constitution is, there problematic in that case to limit that. I hope that US administration finds ways nevertheless to go against, or  to be effective against hate speech and antisemitism online and I think the right way is to talk to the internet platforms, to provide us– many of them have their headquarters in the US and earn much money in the US. So, there should be ways in getting them to limit or to do their responsible share of maintaining the US democracy too. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Felix, thank you so much for joining us.  Felix Klein:   It was a pleasure. All the best, and it's always great to be together with AJC.