Germany This Week: From Questionable Santas to an 85-Year-Old Crime Fighter
As the final week before Christmas unfolds, Germany finds itself in a curious state – mild weather, a touch of gloom, and a mix of heartwarming and concerning news. Here’s a look at what’s been happening across the country,offering insights and critically important information for residents and travelers alike.
The Weather Watch: Awaiting a White Christmas?
Currently, western Germany is experiencing unseasonably mild temperatures with intermittent rain, mist, and fog. It’s a far cry from the idyllic winter scenes depicted in “A Christmas Carol,” leaning more towards the atmosphere of “Bleak House.” However, don’t wholly give up on a white Christmas just yet. meteorologists are still holding out hope for snowfall next week.
Travel Considerations This Holiday Season
Planning to travel within Germany this Christmas? You shoudl be aware of potential disruptions and plan accordingly. Learn more about what to expect on German roads and rails during the holiday rush: What to be aware of when travelling in Germany this Christmas.
A Dark Side of Holiday Cheer: Right-Wing Activism in Munich
Unfortunately, the spirit of goodwill wasn’t universally embraced. Reports surfaced this week of far-right activists dressed as Santa Claus distributing provocative “boarding passes” on Munich’s U-Bahn. These passes targeted “asylum seekers” and “illegal migrants,” urging them to leave the country.
* The activists are believed to be members of Lederhosen Revolte, a group classified as part of Bavaria’s identitarian movement.
* Police are currently investigating whether the incident constitutes a hate crime, according to ntv. Read more about the investigation here.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that prejudice and extremism persist, even during the festive season.
Bavaria’s Unlikely Hero: An 85-Year-Old Outsmarts Scammers – Again!
Amidst the concerning news, a heartwarming story emerged from Ingolstadt, Bavaria. An 85-year-old pensioner has become a local hero after successfully thwarting phone scammers for the second time in just over a year.
Here’s how he did it:
- A scammer posing as a police officer claimed the pensioner’s granddaughter had been involved in a fatal accident.
- The scammer demanded €10,000 in cash and gold coins as “bail.”
- The pensioner stalled the scammer while alerting his daughter and the real police.
- Police arrested a 20-year-old courier attempting to collect the money.
Remarkably, in September 2024, this same duo successfully trapped another fraudster attempting to extort over €60,000. Police praised their “exemplary” teamwork and warned of a surge in “shock calls” targeting seniors. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity.
germany’s Progress on Integration
Beyond these individual stories, Germany continues to navigate complex issues surrounding immigration and integration.Recent studies suggest positive developments in these areas. You can explore these findings in detail here: How Germany is successfully integrating foreign students and immigrants.
German Word of the Day: Weihnachtsmuffel
Looking for a new German word to add to your vocabulary? This week’s Wort des Tages is Weihnachtsmuffel – someone who dislikes Christmas. Learn more
