Germany’s 'unfair' family reunification rules and most surprising German taxes

Join The Local with our podcast listener offerIn the latest episode of the Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Rachel Stern and Aaron Burnett. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards.We chat about American football's popularity in Germany and Rachel Loxton's trip to Frankfurt to see an NFL game. Millions of fans: How Germany fell in love with American footballWe get into the latest strikes in Germany and how they might affect you. How will Germany's public service strikes affect you?Is Germany set for more train strikes in the weeks ahead?We talk about how long Germans typically live and why life expectancy is falling. In which parts of Germany do people live the longest?After a group of hikers were questioned by police, we discuss border checks in Germany and heightened tensions following the outbreak of the Middle East war. Why are German police carrying out checks on hikers at the borders?Since we recorded our podcast, it emerged that the opposition Christian Democrats have a submitted a bill for discussion that would see foreigners lose their citizenship rights if they are found to be anti-Semitic. Could Germany strip citizenship rights from foreigners over anti-Semitism?Under Germany’s new immigration law, family reunification rules are being eased - but only for future skilled workers. We hear from a Local reader who wants to bring an ageing parent to Germany. Why is Germany only easing family reunification rules for future skilled workers?Finally, we talk about the most surprising taxes in Germany. What is Germany's lucrative dog tax and how much do you have to pay? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Germany in Focus is The Local’s weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in Germany as well as explore and explain the major issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what’s coming up.In each episode presenter Rachel Loxton chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local Germany’s Rachel Stern, Imogen Goodman, James Jackson and Aaron Burnett. They are also frequently joined by other expert commentators.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.