Controversy on Sylt Uncovered - Editor-in-chief with a stern demeanor: "Some individuals are thriving yet continue to hold racist views"
In February 1933, Hitler and Göring met with the leaders of Germany's 24 biggest industrial companies. According to French author Éric Vuillard, this intertwining of Nazis and German finances is outlined in his book "The Daily Routine": "These companies include BASF, Bayer, Agfa, Opel, I.G. Farben, Siemens, Allianz, Telefunken. (...) They are our cars, our washing machines, our cleaning agents, our radio clocks, our home insurance, and the battery in our watch." Göring addressed the industrialists at this gathering, advocating for business freedom. However, after securing their support, he uttered the now infamous line, "tighten your belts." The well-off businessmen gladly obliged, donating funds enthusiastically.
It's worth noting that no German companies fund Nazis today, and there's no immediate threat of seizing power. We should not relive the horrors of the 1930s. However, money and extreme right-wing ideas are not mutually exclusive.
Those who have forgotten history were shocked by the photos from Sylt. Young, well-dressed, seemingly affluent individuals partied with Aperol and Champagne,arditus while singing, "Germany for the Germans, foreigners out." It's suggested that the resurgence of right-wing populists can only be understood through economic discontent from the disenfranchised. Remove that, and everything will be fine, right? There are certainly AfD voters who feel economically or culturally marginalized, or fear decline.
Politicians must address these concerns, but there are also people who thrive and still harbor prejudices. Those Sylt images are troubling. They not only represent a nightmare for individuals who don't fit the ideal of "biological Germans," as my colleague Jacqueline Haddadian points out. That's why it's crucial to examine these disturbing images, even if they're hard to stomach.
It's Not Just Happening in Sylt
The European Parliament may not seem as powerless as it's sometimes portrayed, but it's an institution where certain rules appear to be disregarded. This can be enjoyable, but it can also be risky, particularly concerning sexual assaults. Our Brussels correspondent Charlotte Wirth has collaborated with stern-author Nicolas Büchse to investigate these excesses of parliamentary life. While it doesn't undermine our perception of Europe, it's disturbing how certain Europeans self-proclaim their European identity, and yet their actions might differ.
Germans have internalized lessons from the Second World War, making "never again" a sort of national secret. They're also bound by the principle that rules should apply in times of war. The conflict in Gaza, where Israel was provoked by Hamas but conducted in questionable severity, places Germany in a difficult position. Would German police officers have to arrest an Israeli prime minister if international arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court were issued? Chancellor Olaf Scholz, I envy you for this dilemma.
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In response to the controversial events on Sylt, Editorial director Gregor Peter Schmitz raised concerns about individuals who hold racist views despite their apparent affluence. Addressing this issue head-on, Schmitz advocates for an examination of these disturbing patterns, even if they are difficult to confront.
Beyond Sylt, similar concerns regarding prejudice and privilege have been raised in European institutions. Our Brussels correspondent Charlotte Wirth, in collaboration with stern-author Nicolas Büchse, has shed light on instances of disregard for certain rules within the European Parliament, which are both enjoyable and disconcerting to observe.
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