Germans flying the flag

It has been a long time coming but it seems that the World Cup has finally given Germans the courage they need to proudly fly their flag.

With Germany successful in the opening round - each day more and more Germans are investing in a flag for their balconies or car. Germany's larger migrant groups have also been very prevalent in their displaying of the German flag.

But it hasn't always been like that. Since its official adoption in post second world war Germany, the German flag's public showing has often been an issue - mainly due to its strong association with Germany's right-wing extremist groups. It's no surprise then that, in order to show impartiality, Berlin's police and council have opted to remain flagless throughout the Cup - a stance that has been harshly criticised in the Berlin media and from various sides of parliament.

The first instance of the current flag being used dates back to the turn of the last century, in the Weimar Republic. Since then it has only been banned once - ironically, by the National Socialists in 1933. al

Germany to ban public smoking?

Whether watching football or meeting with friends, having a smoke in German restaurants and bars is commonplace and has always been accepted as a person's personal right. Until now.

A group bill has been put forward by Bundestag MP Lothar Binding (SPD) calling for an end to smoking in all public areas without exception from 1 January 2007. The MPs supporting the bill, who come from both sides of german politics, are confident of a result when the vote is put to the general assembly of the Bundestag in the coming weeks.

Elsewhere in Europe general public smoking bans are becoming increasingly more prevalent. Extensive bans already exist in Ireland, Norway and Sweden. In England, Westminster is currently also discussing a public smoking ban. In Germany, gastronomy and hotel unions remain concerned that a general ban on smoking will reduce their trade. Initial investigations, done in Ireland, have shown otherwise however. A report from the World Health Organisation actually showed Irish gastronomy profits increased as a result of the ban. Guests had more money to spend on alcohol, so the report claimed. al