We reported on this in january, after we had learned about it through an anonymous letter. As a result, the bill committee demanded a statement from the mayor. Subsequently, this topic was no longer discussed in public.

But now things are moving again. As was to be learned, the legal supervision in the landratsamt was now concerned with it.

The mayor, meanwhile, wanted to know from the members of the town council who is in possession of the documents of the audit committee and how they were leaked to the media.
Hans rebhan (CSU/CSB) now admits to this in a letter to the mayor: “I am in possession of the relevant information from the audit committee, to which every market town council is entitled, and I have deliberately passed on this information.”

and rebhan justifies this as follows: “as a market town councilor, I am convinced that the citizens of kups have a right to be informed about these proceedings. The municipal code stipulates that the market town council must always meet in public and that information from the market town council must be available to the burgesses. This rule is an expression of the principle of democracy and serves the transparency of the administration. Exceptions apply only if justified interests of the common good or of individual citizens are opposed to this. This was not the case. Neither were the interests of the community opposed, nor was there any personal interest in secrecy that required protection. Transparency is needed, especially where there are fears that the integrity of the administration is in question. The trust of the citizens in a clean administration is a high requirement in our constitutional state and is to be valued more highly than the humanly understandable interest of the mayor in keeping things out of the public eye.”

Because, in rebhan’s view, the classification as a non-public matter was legally incorrect, he decided to pass on this information after intensive consideration. “I believe that such actions play into the hands of the frustration of the people.” and this ultimately leads to the fact that the citizens are disappointed about the abuse by public officials. And this, in turn, rebhan sees as a reason why people are increasingly “turning away from elections and public engagement” averts.

“35 years ago I took an oath for the first time as a market town councilor in kups to prevent damage to the market of kups and I have taken this into account here as well”, he declares in the letter to the mayor. And further: “not only i knew this fact, but also a large part of the burghers, who daily came from the shopping markets opposite their building project, asked themselves how this was actually possible. I have been repeatedly approached by citizens with the motto “how long are you council members going to stand by and watch this happen??'”

There are countless officials who have had to resign for much lesser offenses, rebhan writes. Schneider is however obviously “no guilt consciously” – in spite of the official decree issued by the mayor himself in 2007, in which it is literally stated: “therefore, from now on, the private use of facilities, vehicles, machines and equipment of the building yard is strictly forbidden”. In individual cases, the first mayor may grant an exemption for such use of staff.”
According to rebhan, schneider has repeatedly and knowingly violated his own constitution and is attempting to “make a point” with his “unstoppable inquiries” to open up a side show for the members of the market town council and to distract them from their own failures.

“There are always rules with exceptions, and there is always someone who can approve those exceptions. But there is also the principle that no one may be a judge in his own cause. If, then they had to have this approved by a mayor’s representative or by the building committee. This would have been a requirement of transparency”, hold rebhan up to the mayor.

And he goes on to write to schneider: “that this was not dealt with in the building committee, you justify afterwards with lack of time. You will allow me to form my own opinion on this argument. I think that when it comes to the cleanliness of the administration, one must take the necessary time.” rebhan is still waiting for the mayor’s declaration “in which, according to the daily newspaper, you want to inform the public after the next market town council meeting”. In the meantime, two municipal council meetings have taken place “which offered the opportunity to take a stand in the public meeting”. – schneider could not be reached for comment yesterday.

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There are more and more families where both parents work outside the home, which makes balancing work and family life a real challenge. This is why parents often need childcare. For example, they entrust the care of their offspring to a nanny. It is clear that the role of the person who takes care of the child is of great importance. Often it almost becomes part of the family.

Childcare: the role of the nanny

When it comes to the issue of returning to work after the birth of a child, there are several options for child care. Many families choose to hire a nanny or a nannies. This person will take care of the little ones while the parents are not around. There is one main difference and advantage compared to other options, such as.B. a daycare center or a kindergarten: the care provided by a nanny is very personal.

For this very reason, the person who takes care of the children becomes a very important figure for them. Because it is she who shares everyday life with the children, listens to the little ones, calms them and gives them affection. She also cooks for them and takes care of any aches and pains they may have. Sometimes she will bathe the children and put them to bed when their parents are not yet there.

Therefore, the bond that children form with their nanny is very significant and it is also very good for them. Because the presence of healthy emotional ties strengthens the self-esteem of children. This, in turn, helps them grow into sociable and outgoing individuals. It also makes the periods of absence of the parents a lot easier.

How to choose a good nanny?

As you have seen, the person in charge of childcare plays a very significant role. Therefore, it is important that you think about the criteria you use to choose a nanny. What qualities should have the person who will occupy such an important place in the childhood of our offspring?

Many families hire the same person for two tasks: Namely, for childcare and housework. But this usually means that the person does not have any specific qualifications in childcare. Therefore, if possible, you should try to separate these two tasks. Choose a nanny with appropriate psychological, pedagogical, or early childhood training.

Because especially when it comes to very young children or those who need special care, the nanny should have sufficient knowledge. Ideally, she should be able to understand the developmental stages of the children so that she can guide them in the best possible way.

Parents and nannies should share values

Also, another factor is essential when it comes to choosing the right childcare: parents need to be sure that the nanny shares certain values as well as ideas about education with them. Or, at the very least, that she will respect and follow your desired parenting style and standards. Because this consistency is of very fundamental importance. Only in this way will your children feel safe and be happy.

Here you'll find some of the most important values that your nanny should ideally share with you:

The nanny should not be authoritarian

For example, it is important that the nanny is a person who is not overly authoritarian towards your children. In other words, not forcing certain things on them, but giving them the opportunity to participate in decisions and come to agreements.

Thus, the nanny should ensure that siblings, for example, have the freedom to agree to play with each other. Because by doing so, it also encourages children to act more confidently and develop a certain assertiveness.

Very important in childcare: empathy

Also, the nanny should be able to be there for your little ones on an emotional level and provide comfort when they need it. Because taking care of the little ones also means that the nanny is building a bond with them. It makes them feel heard, valued and loved.

Also, positive demeanor towards the children

In general, it is always better to address children in a positive way and tell them what to do rather than focusing on things they should not do. So for example, "Please put your toys in the box.". And not "don't leave your toys lying around here".

In addition, it also helps if these commands are accompanied by an explanation. Because this allows children to act out of conviction and not out of blind obedience. So, for example, you can say, "If the toy is on the floor, someone can accidentally step on it and then it can get broken."

Also important: self-control

An indispensable quality in dealing with children is calmness and patience. Thus, the childcare person should not lose her cool in the face of a tantrum from the child. It should give the little one the space it needs at that moment to express itself. In addition, she must of course be able to gently and respectfully reassure the child.

The best time to determine if the potential nanny shares your ideas about parenting is at the interview. While doing this, you should try to talk to her about different everyday situations to find out how she would react to them. Also, it is interesting to pay attention to how she talks about her previous jobs. Because a person with a true vocation will definitely talk about previous families with a lot of emotion and affection.

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Traffic in and around bad kissingen has developed in recent years. The way the city deals with traffic on its streets, however, is hardly. A new and comprehensive concept is to help make up for the accumulated deficits and build a bridge for the inner-city traffic of the future.

The city council has now unanimously decided to commission a new traffic development concept. The task is a demanding one. The office that received the order is to develop an “overall strategy for the sensible, city-contractual organization of inner-city traffic” work out. It must take into account the needs of “all road users”.

City planner christine schwind described the initial situation as follows: as an important health resort with a new profile as a health and cultural location, bad kissingen needs a “coherent development and traffic concept”. To date, there has been no concept that adequately integrates all types of traffic. Demographic development must also be taken into account.

The administration and the city council have come to the conclusion that new thoughts about the traffic in the city are necessary, among other things, due to the reorientation that the spa business has already experienced and will continue to experience. The health care system has changed fundamentally in recent years, and the spa business is adapting to this change. The offers are therefore broader than before. The target group in the search for guests is young people. At the same time, the desire for peace and quiet and noise-protected zones is still very much in evidence. Guests of the city often also expect deceleration.

The city’s application for entry in the unesco world heritage list as one of the great spas of europe will have a major influence on the development of traffic in kissingen. If the application is successful, the city planner says it will not just be a question of where the planned world heritage center is to be located. The inclusion on the list is also expected to increase the tourist interest in the town. This resulted in “greatly increased visitor and bus traffic”.

Against this backdrop, it is necessary to consider how to develop the inner city unesco protected area for world heritage tourism. At the same time, the city has to protect sensitive and noise-sensitive areas of the spa business. The needs of the city’s residents and visitors beyond world heritage tourism also had to be taken into account.

The planned study will also provide results for key words such as accessibility, cycle paths and the hiking trail network. In principle, it is a matter of promoting the “soft means of transport, pedestrian and bicycle traffic” too strong, explained christine schwind. This means that developments in electric bicycles will be taken into account and the network of biking and hiking trails will be reviewed. Connection to the cycle path network of the district and to supra-regional cycle paths must be ensured.

Due to the “increase in mobilized individual transport”, according to the city planner, the park pressure is increasing. The concept should therefore include possibilities for “greater density of parking spaces” prufen. Other key words are: bad kissingen as a residential location and commercial development. Because kissingen sees itself as a high-quality residential location, it also wants to be attractive in terms of transport for young families, singles and senior citizens. However, as some of the through traffic in residential areas has increased considerably, “calming reductions” are necessary a topic. With regard to new commercial sites, the main issue is their sensible development.

Berlin square

Traffic surveys are necessary as a basis for such comprehensive planning. The city planner called the existing figures “absolutely no longer representative”. The last payment was made almost ten years ago. An important task for the creators of the concept is also the “review of the location of the central bus parking lot”. This has recently been the subject of heated debate, not least because of the competition for investors for berliner platz. This is also the background to a request made by the CSU and the SPD. The christian socialists had heard, said their faction spokesman steffen hortler, that it would take three years for the results of the comprehensive concept to be available. Against this background, he asked that answers to key questions, such as berliner platz, be provided more quickly. The city’s building department made this clear. The foundations had to be laid, and then priorities could be set.

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Most citizens (51 percent) are in favor of a rough coalition, according to the survey published on friday by the election research group, and only 35 percent are in favor of black-yellow.

According to the survey, the governing coalition of CDU/CSU and FDP has 47 percent of the vote, while the opposition of SPD, greens and left-wing party together has 46 percent. The institute points out, however, that the 20. Up to 22. The representative survey conducted in august is not reliable, if only because of the statistical error margins. These are around plus/minus three percentage points for a 40 percent share of the vote and around two points for a ten percent share.

In the polls on who should lead the chancellorship, incumbent angela merkel (CDU) remains well ahead of her SPD challenger peer steinbruck: 63 percent want merkel, 29 percent steinbruck. Merkel also remains in first place on the list of the ten most popular politicians, followed by finance minister wolfgang schauble (CDU) and SPD parliamentary party leader frank-walter steinmeier.

Steinbruck ranks in seventh place.

The CDU/CSU is again at 41 percent in the survey, while the FDP has gained one point and is now at 6 percent. The SPD remains unchanged at 25 percent and the left at 8 percent. The greens also remain at 13 percent. All other parties fall below 3 percent each.

Only 18 percent expect the SPD to make significant gains before the general election. 78 percent do not believe it. Even among the SPD supporters, the pessimists are in the majority at 60 percent.

38 percent would like a red-green coalition. When it comes to social justice, however, most citizens do not trust a red-green government to make any decisive changes. Only 28 percent think things will be fairer in germany then.

In the federal election on 22. September around 61.8 million germans in germany are eligible to vote. With 31.8 million, women are clearly in the majority. A good third of the electorate is over 60 years old. The leading candidates of the parties will appear at dozens of events throughout germany in the coming weeks. In addition, the parties advertise with large posters and TV commercials.

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Actually, the decline in the number of accidents last year is cause for celebration. 568 times it crashed, in the year 2017 there had been still 598 accidents. However, these figures should not obscure the fact that it is mainly minor accidents that occur less frequently. The number of injured even increased compared to the previous year. In addition, there were two fatalities on the roads in the altlandkreis district.

56 people injured in accidents last year. In 2017 there had been only 46 per sonen. There were twelve serious injuries (2017: 20) and 69 minor injuries (2017: 31). It is remarkable that the number of drivers with drugs behind the wheel increased from 16 to 24. This suggests that the officials are paying more attention in this area.

Fewer hit-and-runs

A total of 114 drivers were caught with cell phones. With 78 cases, the number of hit-and-run accidents fell by 13, but too many drivers still evade their responsibility – especially when people are injured in the accidents, as was the case five times in 2018. The police solved 32 hit-and-run accidents.

The number of motorcycle accidents fell slightly: in 2017 there were 20, last year only 18 accidents. The stretch between motten and kothen remains a focal point. This year, however, only five motorcyclists were seriously injured in the old district. In 2017 there were eight. 15 bikers got away with lighter injuries. In the previous year there were only eleven.

Surprisingly, there was not a single accident involving e-bikes in the altlandkreis in 2018. Two accidents involving local bicycles were registered by the police, however. This positive development is not continuing this year: in march, a boy on his electric mountain bike collided with a car in riedenberg. He injured himself only slightly. On the same weekend, a 71-year-old man was seriously injured near the book lawn when he swerved his e-bike to yield the right of way to another vehicle.

Familiarize with e-bikes

“We were lucky that there were no fatalities”, department head herbert markert looks back. Both e-bike riders were saved from worse by a helmet. He appeals to owners of e-bikes to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the new bikes’ handling characteristics beforehand. “I expect the accidents with e-bikes to increase and the consequences to be more severe as well”, says the police chief.

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The owner of the “topflas lack of planning certainty. “Important would be that the policy makes a clear statement how the year looks”, she says. The fact that it is allowed to reopen its premises does not mean that all problems are solved. On the contrary, for most restaurateurs the crisis will continue for a few more months. It is about the calculation of the whole year, about festivals and concerts, which will also be cancelled in the future. “The regulations make it difficult for all restaurateurs to survive the year.”

After the openings of the gastronomy: the atmosphere is not back again

For a week now, the “topfla” open again. First conclusion: compared to normal times, wellein is currently only turning over about one-third. She complies with all regulations, has taken tables out of the dining room, and talks patrons into wearing masks to be safe. “I feel like a police hostess,” says one father, says wellein.

The problem is the distance regulation, says the landlady clearly. Everything that the “topfla” the cartiers and the tables, the family and friendly atmosphere is not to be established at the moment. Hope knocks them through the pub area. “When the weather is right and the garden can be used again, then everything will be fine”, she says. That is, then it recoups the fixed costs – if the location is well frequented. With guests only in the inside area this is hardly to manage.

Help after the corona time: there is no lack of support

Wellein has no personnel costs at the moment. Friends and the kellerbergverein volunteer to help with service, so at least those costs are eliminated. But that is not a perspective. The expected wellein anyway from another place. “There is not a lack of support, there is a lack of policy that allows us to get out of it again.”

She does not mean the emergency aid that gave her 8300 euros or any loans that might be available in the future. Which she sees as a renewed debt trap. Because to postpone the costs does not help.

Wellein has a completely different demand on the politicians: “if the restrictions were removed, I would have no problems”, she says. Support comes from the guests, she is given a lot of courage. Wellein misses the red thread in the relaxations. Travel to other european countries is now partly permitted again, thuringia, unlike bavaria, has found more relaxed regulations. The problem, as she describes it, is not directly the decrease in parking spaces, but the relations that are no longer justified for wellein at the moment. “And I am supposed to save the world with my pub?”

The restaurateur hopes for the support of the guests who come to her. “We’ve done everything we can,” she says, she says, but doesn’t mean it in a resigned way: “there are many options, but i will do everything i can to keep the ‘topfla’ going.” she waits for the month to see how the situation develops, then she can make a decision about the future.

Hakan kanbur from the “old malt house” has a very similar opinion to report. He gives his restaurant a good two months if the situation does not improve. He was entitled to 15,000 euros in immediate aid, but so far only 5,000 have been transferred to him. He is currently running out of guests. “I did advertise, but it was not accepted.”

Corona crisis in gastronomy:: easter business has been missing

A hard cut was the missing easter business including communions. He also does not understand the decrease. The rules have changed, he says, “there is a complete lack of clarity about what the state wants.” with his current turnover, which amounts to about ten percent of the normal turnover, he can barely cover the personnel costs. He has to do something, but for that he needs financial resources. “If I don’t invest any money now, I can actually close down.”

Carmen D’aniello, on the other hand, is very positive about the future. After the “saporito when the company moved into the old barn, operations had to be rearranged anyway. The slow start with food collection from may and now the guest business was more to her liking. “It is well received in our country”, says D’aniello, who can also count on support from her family. With her, above all for the evening is reserved, since also it has fewer tables and not so easily any more spontaneously for instance a parchen to accommodate could. D’aniello says: “it would be better if we could receive more guests.”

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You would like to settle in France with your company and are planning to hire new employees. But what do you need to consider? What are the employment contracts in France and what are the salaries?? We have compiled some important information for you on what you as an entrepreneur should bear in mind in terms of labor and social law in France.

The French employment contract is available in the following versions:

• permanent employment contract (Contrat A duree indeterminee, CDI)
• fixed-term employment contract (Contrat A duree determinee, CDD)
• Temporary employment contract (Contrat de travail temporaire (interim))
• part-time employment contract (Contrat A temps partiel)
• Employment contract for intermittent employment

2. What to look out for in terms of social security in France

In France, every employee is subject to social insurance. Social security covers all health care costs (e.g. medicines, hospitalization, dental prosthesis). In addition, the employee is insured against work interruptions (illness, maternity, occupational diseases).

With social security there is an employee and an employer contribution. Family benefits and contributions in case of accidents at work are paid by the employer.

Employees who do not come from the European Economic Community (EEC) are subject to the respective residence regulations (residence and work permit).

In France, the so-called dynamic minimum wage SMIC (Salaire Minimum Interprofessionel de Croissance) guarantees each employee a minimum remuneration of. Once a year, this minimum wage is adjusted to the current economic and cyclical situation.

Accordingly, the employer must comply with the following provisions:

• SMIC hourly rate = monthly gross amount of 1 709.28 euros since the 1. January 2023 (at 35 hours per week)
• Minimum wage established for the company for the industry according to the collective agreement
• Professional classification, which is guaranteed by the collective bargaining agreement
• Wage guarantee that applies to companies that have moved to the 35-hour work week
• equal pay for men and women
• Overtime Act
• allowances for night, Sunday and holiday work, which may include. those provided for by collective bargaining agreements

You will find more information on French labor law and u.a. also sample employment contracts on the French government site: travail-emploi.gouv.fr

More information on social security contributions in France:

4. What to know before hiring new staff in France

The costs paid by an employer to an employee do not only consist of the salary. In fact, the total cost of an employee includes the gross salary plus employer contributions and other charges such as training costs, mileage allowance or bonuses, and minus payroll taxes, the rate of which is set each year by decree.

Total cost of an employee to a company

Before thinking about hiring a new employee in France, it is essential to know the total cost of an employee, as this has a significant impact on a company’s budget, so it is important to have an idea of this. These total costs are not limited to salary or. The employee’s salary, but also include direct and indirect costs.

Thus, to calculate these costs, one must include both the employer contributions, the payroll contributions, the salary itself, the hiring costs, the training costs, the equipment costs (computer, office, office supplies, etc.), and the.), special bonuses and any professional expenses reimbursed by the employer (travel expenses, ticket restaurant, etc.).) take into account.

The total cost for an employee is therefore the same:

gross salary + employer’s contributions – social security contributions + other costs and premiums mentioned above

Cost of an employee: employer contributions

The costs paid to an employee include his salary and the corresponding employer’s contributions. The employer must pay the employer’s contributions, which are calculated on the gross salary of the employee.
The employer contributions are social contributions paid by the employer to the Urssaf or the MSA (for agricultural activities).

Employer contributions include:

• contributions for sickness, maternity, invalidity, death and old-age insurance
• contributions to unemployment insurance
• contributions to the supplementary pension scheme
• the APEC contributions for executives
• the contributions for child benefits
• the contributions for accidents at work
• the contribution to the self-employment insurance
• the contribution to the social dialogue
• the contribution to the national fund for housing promotion
• the contribution for the wage guarantee insurance
• the mobility payment
• the social lump sum
• the apprenticeship levy
• the wage tax
• the contribution to vocational training

Cost of an employee: Employee contributions

The cost of a worker in France is equal to his gross wage plus employer contributions minus employee contributions. Indeed, the employee contributions are borne by the employee, so they are deducted from the gross salary by the employer and then paid to the Urssaf (the French social security) or the MSA (agricultural social security).

The employee contributions are as follows:

• Sickness insurance, maternity insurance, death, disability
• Old age insurance (pension from the general system)
• CSG (Contribution Sociale Generalisee / General Social Contribution)
• CRDS (Contribution au Remboursement de la Dette Sociale / Contribution to the repayment of the social debt)
• Unemployment insurance for all workers under 65 (a special solidarity contribution applies to workers 65 or older)
• APEC (Agence pour l’Emploi des Cadres / Agency for the Employment of Managers)
• Contribution Agirc-Arrco
• Contribution for the general equilibrium (CEG), which has been in force since 1. January 2019 replaces the AGFF and GMP contributions
• Contribution for the technical equilibrium (CET)

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This wednesday, the strabburg plenum is expected to say yes after all when it votes in the second attempt on the reform step by eu climate commissioner connie hedegaard. The signs are favorable: some christian democrats have switched from opposing reform to supporting it after finding a compromise with social democrats and liberals.

The reform step is called backloading – an abstract word that is causing a stir. The idea is to postpone the issue of 900 million CO2 pollution rights for years – hence the word backloading. Due to the delayed issue and the shortage of market supply, the price of CO2 is expected to rise, making investments in climate-friendly technology worthwhile again, according to the EU commission’s calculations. Under the emissions trading scheme, europe’s industry must submit rights to emit the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) from its 12,000 factories.

Currently, the price is dumping around 4 euros per ton of CO2. The EU commission had once proposed 30 euros. Such a crisp price had practically forced companies to invest in climate-friendly technology. But this steering effect failed to materialize – in the crisis, europe’s industry cut back its production, the price of CO2 rights collapsed. And so energy companies like RWE continued to make good money with climate-damaging coal-fired power plants. Instead of making expensive investments, they would rather buy cheap pollution rights.

European parliament member matthias groote (SPD) wants to end this misery. Groote is seen as a man of the middle ground in the climate protection debate, and both environmentalists and industry representatives have warm words to say about him. The german is the parliament’s rapporteur and thus the central contact on backloading. But his report unexpectedly failed in plenary in april. Instead of starting negotiations with representatives of EU countries, as he had wanted, groote had to do some detention. In the environment committee, he sought a new compromise.

This compromise is now ready for a vote. Paper says EU parliament gives green light to backloading, but weakens it at the same time. The withheld CO2 rights are not to be released in 2019 and 2020, but probably already from 2016 onwards. So the shortage would be weaker than expected. In june, the environment committee voted in favor, paving the way for the second plenary vote. “Emissions trading is alive and well,” said groote with relief.

However, it is not yet certain whether the reform project will pass the strasbourg plenum “alive” or will be given the death knell after all. Veteran opponents of reform get ready for rhetorical attack. The second plenary vote is “idiotic,” the CDU/CSU leader in parliament, herbert reul, scolds in an interview with dpa insight EU. CO2 trading is a market instrument in which politics is not allowed to tamper arbitrarily.

The planned EU climate fund, which according to the parliamentary paper is to be fed by partial revenues from emissions trading, is unrealistic, he says. Finally, finance ministers were no longer able to freely dispose of the revenue from emissions trading. “No member state will go along with that,” says reul.

Reul’s finnish colleague eija-riitta korhola is shaking her head even more. Compromise is impossible on this issue, says reform opponent. “Backloading is like being pregnant – it’s either yes or no. Yes and no is not possible.”

The federal government was allowed to follow the backloading vote closely. After that, black and yellow probably had to show their colors when the council, as the organ of the member states, has to give its approval. Poland, a coal-producing country, steadfastly rejects the plan, france supports it. Germany is still without a position. While environment minister peter altmaier (CDU) is in favor in the interest of climate protection, economics minister philipp rosler (FDP) is against it out of concern for ballast for industry.

Defiant tones can be heard from the ministry, according to which backloading is to be “fought” against. Should mean: even if strasbourg gives the green light, the battle for backloading is not yet lost for opponents of reform.

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Consumers in germany remain in a mood for consumption, even if the mood is dampening somewhat. In its monthly consumer climate index, the nurnberg-based market researcher gfk forecasts a decline of 0.1 points to 9.6 payers for january.

In the previous month, the value had risen by 0.1 payer. In addition to uncertainties caused by trade conflicts, the company cited the discussion about negative interest rates for private investors as a particular reason. “When money has to be paid for investments, this also affects the consumer’s purse strings. They are afraid that punitive interest rates will now be introduced across the board for private customers,” said gfk consumer expert rolf burkl in nurnberg.

The debate about negative interest rates has printed the propensity to save to a new all-time low of minus 74 points. Burkl said that the interest rate debate has also had an impact on income expectations. At 35.0 points, the last time this value was this low was over six years ago. Fear of interest penalties is making consumers insecure in their assessment of their own financial situation.

The prime rate in the euro zone has long been at a record low of zero percent. If commercial banks park money with the european central bank, they will have to pay a penalty interest rate of 0.5 percent. The consequences: interest rates on savings accounts and overnight money have virtually been abolished. In addition, more and more banks are charging negative interest rates on larger balances, sometimes even from the first euro for new customers.

Consumers are also more pessimistic about the economic outlook than in december, according to the gfk. European central bank’s low interest rate policy should stimulate corporate investment, expert says. “This is not happening to the extent hoped for because of the general uncertainty caused by the weakening global economy.”The trade conflicts between the USA and china and between the USA and the EU have made export-oriented companies in particular more cautious about investing. In the automotive industry and its suppliers, there is also the transition to electromobility and, as a result, fears for jobs.

On the other hand, consumers’ propensity to buy has continued to improve, burkl explained. According to the gfk, this value increased by 2.2 payers and, at currently 52.2 points, again reached the good level of the previous year. “In an increasingly stormy economic environment, the propensity to buy is proving to be a rock at the end of the year as well. This is good news for retailers.”

Looking ahead over the year, the consumer climate for 2019 is trending slightly negative, but consumers have not yet lost their enthusiasm for buying. The decisive factor for 2020 will be whether the employment situation remains stable. “Then consumption will also be a good pillar of the economy next year,” said burkl.

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Advance cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of the more demanding cabbages, but growing it is still worthwhile. Provided you take a few tips to heart, you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest and a versatile vegetable.

If you do it right, you can harvest cauliflower continuously from June to the first frost. For this you have to start very early with the preplanting of the cauliflower seedlings. For a first harvest in June, you should sow the cauliflower in January, at the latest in February. This can be done in a heated greenhouse or in an indoor greenhouse on a windowsill.

The seeds are only covered with about two millimeters of soil and the soil should be kept moist throughout. As soon as the first leaves have formed, the plantlets are pricked out and continue to grow for a while at intervals of about five centimeters. It is best to plant the small cauliflower plants directly one by one in small pots or growing containers made of cellulose or other rotting material, then planting out later is easier. After about six weeks, the cauliflower plantlets are big enough to be planted outdoors.

The right location is important

Cauliflower requires a sunny to semi-shady location and a calcareous and nutrient-rich soil. In addition, the soil should be deep and loose. Larger stones or a superficial, shallow humus layer with compacted soil underneath does not suit cauliflower well.

Hard facts about cauliflower
Planting distance: 45 x 60 cm | Greenhouse sowing: from January | Greenhouse sowing: mid-March to April | Outdoor sowing: mid-April to mid-May | Harvest: June resp. July to mid-November | Soil: loose, lime-rich and humic | Cauliflower is a heavy grower | Good neighbors: bush beans, endives, peas, cucumbers, beet, celery, spinach | Bad neighbors: potatoes, cabbage, garlic, leek, rhubarb, chives, onions

Nutritional values of 100 grams of cauliflower:
25 calories | 1.9 g protein | 0.3 g fat | 5 g carbohydrates, of which 2 g fiber

Planting cauliflower outdoors

You should always grow plenty of plants in advance, so that when you plant them out you have a choice of which plants to use. Then only the strongest plantlets are planted out into the open ground. The bed should be sufficiently loosened beforehand and if necessary re-fertilized with compost. If there is a lack of lime, you can add a little more lime, the cauliflower likes it limey. You can find more about this topic on our pages about soil improvement.

In cooler areas and when in doubt about another frost, plant out under perforated film or fleece. The plants are planted out at intervals of about 50 centimeters. There are annual and biennial varieties. One-year-olds are used more often for obvious reasons: It's quicker and you don't have to worry about winterizing the plants.

Cauliflower is a heavy grower, so it should be re-fertilized several times, especially during the period of rapid growth. Stable manure or compost is well suited for this, but you can also help with artificial fertilizers. To increase the nitrogen content in the soil, the bed can also be mulched at planting time.

Cauliflower likes to stand in the sun, but it can be damaged during periods of very strong sunlight. It is advisable to shade the plants during this period. The easiest way to accomplish this is to break off a large leaf and place it on top of the cauliflower's head. In addition, sufficient watering must be done regularly unless there is enough precipitation. The soil should always be moist. Especially in summer, make sure that not only the surface is wet, but that the water also penetrates to the roots. Two weeks before harvest, stop fertilizing completely and water thoroughly several more times to ensure that the harvested cauliflower does not contain too much nitrite.

When is cauliflower ripe?

Cauliflower matures in about five months, which means you can harvest cauliflower as early as June if you sow early. Cauliflower can also be left in the bed longer and harvested later. You can harvest until the first frost. So if you plant enough, you will have fresh cauliflower for half a year.

Cauliflower varieties

The best known cauliflower in this country is the classic white variety, but there are many different varieties of cauliflower. For example, there is the Romanesco in green, yellow-green cauliflower, yellow-orange cauliflower, but also spectacular hits of color in purple or red. The coloration of these varieties is caused by anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are colorants commonly found in the plant world. They also appear, for example, in red wine, red cabbage or green asparagus. Anthocyanins act as antioxidants in the human body and are thus said to prevent certain diseases, such as cancer.

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