Latest editorial
A man glues a poster reading "burka free zone — stop islamisation" at a meeting of the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in Neuenhagen near Berlin, earlier this month
LINKS between Germany’s security services and the far right are nothing new, but the left across Europe should be watching the growing scandal over intelligence chief Hans-Georg Maassen’s seemingly cosy relationship with racists and xenophobes with care.
The far-right riot that exploded in the Saxon city of Chemnitz over the last weekend of August was not gone unchallenged. Giant counter-protests have been mobilised and Germany’s left and trade union movements are increasingly alert to the fascist threat.
Nor have German authorities done nothing. Chemnitz district court is fast-tracking criminal cases linked to the anti-immigrant unrest. One man was fined and given a suspended sentence today for making a nazi salute at the riot, with another case due to be heard tomorrow.
As extremist movements grow on the streets and at the ballot box, the emergence of the Together Alliance points to a vital strategy: unity across trade unions, campaigners and communities, says TONY CONWAY
NICK WRIGHT returns to Berlin and finds a city in darkness and political turmoil
Spanish dictator Francisco Franco died 50 years ago today November 20. JIM JUMP looks back at his blood-soaked rule and toxic legacy on Spain today
Once again Tower Hamlets is being targeted by anti-Islam campaigners, this time a revamped and radicalised version of Ukip — the far-right event is now banned by the police, but we’ll be assembling this Saturday to make sure they stay away, says JAYDEE SEAFORTH