Articles by this author
OPINION: New cannabis law in Germany isn't dangerous - it's common sense
Following much controversy, Germany's new cannabis act partially legalising the drug is now in force. Brian Melican writes about why that's not a moment too soon.
OPINION: Even with German citizenship reform foreigners must be wary of lurch to the far-right
News of Germany's right-wing extremists meeting to discuss how to deport immigrants, even ones with German passports, spells bad news for those thinking of taking up dual citizenship, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Germany faces a hellish year in politics amid rise of far-right
Things aren't looking good for Germany's government, already torn apart by internal strife and growing populism, as many states head for the ballots later this year, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Oktoberfest revelry reveals the political storm brewing in Bavaria
Munich's world famous Oktoberfest is back to its boisterous best after the pandemic. But beer hall chit chat is revealing an uneasy political landscape ahead of Bavaria's state elections on October 8th, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Is Germany really the sick man of Europe?
Is Germany's economy really going down the drain, or is the country falling victim to a self-fulfilling prophesy that can still be reversed? There's reason to hope for the latter, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Why Germans' famed efficiency makes the country less efficient
Germans are famous for their love of efficiency - and impatience that comes with it. But this desire for getting things done as quickly as possible can backfire, whether at the supermarket or in national politics, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: I became a German citizen to vote but paying taxes should have been enough
The government's reforms to citizenship law are a step in the right direction, writes Brian Melican, but should it really be necessary for foreigners to take this step in order to cast their vote? Paying taxes should be enough.
OPINION: Germany's ruthless housing market is tough on new tenants - but there are winners
Germany may be falling short of its homebuilding target but still positively stands out in comparison to other European countries. Brian Melican explains why things are not so grim for both buyers and renters - unless you are a new tenant.
OPINION: Why Germany's €49 travel ticket is far better than the previous €9 ticket
The €49 ticket is a lot more expensive than its €9 predecessor - but rightly so, writes Brian Melican. Here's how it's likely to improve train travel in Germany long-term.
OPINION: German government is pushing ambitious agenda despite turbulent first year
Germany's government has had a rocky first year having to deal with the consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine. Despite having to make sacrifices, the coalition has proved stable so far - and is even managing to push ahead with ambitious plans, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Germany's autumn Covid rules are a giant mess beyond parody
As other European countries appear to have left the stress of strict Covid rules long behind them, Germany is gearing up to introduce a new and even more complicated patchwork of measures in autumn. Brian Melican asks whether, at this stage, the restrictions are really proportionate to the risks.
OPINION: Germany has failed to do its energy 'homework' - and faces years of catching up
Germany's energy crisis is the result of decades of failing to take action - and now residents face tough times. Brian Melican looks at what went wrong and asks why Germany isn't doing more to become energy independent given the scale of the problem.
OPINION: The shocking state of German trains exposes the myth about punctuality
To the outside world, Germany has a reputation for being punctual. But when it comes to the rail system, passengers face shocking delays, as well as underfunded infrastructure, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Why Germany can't break out of its Covid rules rut
Despite other countries getting rid of Covid regulations like mandatory masks on public transport, Germany remains devoted - while also allowing events without masks. Columnist Brian Melican asks why the country can't move on from inconsistent rules.
Will Germany's motorists and cyclists ever learn to live with each other?
It's more important than ever that Germany's two distinct tribes - drivers and cyclists - learn to accept each other rather than being stuck in constant road rage, explains Brian Melican.
OPINION: Germany's €9 ticket for summer is just a gimmick, not a solution
Germany is launching a cheap transport deal in response to rising energy costs. But the flashy offer may actually lead to sharp fare hikes and is not what's needed in Germany, argues Brian Melican.
Why the Greens are the real winners of Germany's state elections
German state elections don't tell us everything about the public mood, but the past few votes have revealed some pretty clear winners and losers. While support for the SPD is flagging, the Greens are growing in stature by the day, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Why Germany's energy relief payouts are no fix for inadequate social security
The German government wants to ease the cost of living crisis with measures like the €9 travel ticket and one-off allowances. But Brian Melican says Germany would be better off making a benefits system fit for purpose and getting people out of poverty.
OPINION: Scholz is already out of step with Germany - it's time for a change of course
Olaf Scholz has seen his popularity ratings plummet in Germany amid the Ukraine crisis. After a promising start, the Chancellor has retreated into Merkel-era habits that no longer match the country he is leading, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: How many massacres will it take before Germany turns off Russian gas?
Ever-worsening brutalities are unfolding in Ukraine day by day, but Germany remains set on blocking a Russian gas embargo. If it doesn't change course, it could find itself complicit in an ugly repeat of history, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: The worst of both worlds - Germany’s coronavirus policy pleases no-one
Germany was meant to lift most Covid measures on March 20th. Instead, politicians and many residents are still gripped by Covid panic even though other countries have found ways to move forward, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Germany has been forced to learn the lessons from its post-war pacifism
Russia's ruthless and illegal invasion of Ukraine has meant Germany can no longer hide behind its post-war policy of pacifism. Hard lessons need to be learned, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Germany has scuppered Nord Stream 2 but there are questions left to answer
After Russia officially recognised two rebel-held regions of Ukraine as independent states, Germany mustered the strength to call an indefinite halt to Nord Stream 2. Better late than never, writes Brian Melican, but why was the pipeline project allowed to get this far in the first place?