A season of strikes has hit Germany

A season of strikes has hit Germany. The train drivers are threatening a strike next week. Last week baggage handlers went on strike at airports. And people who work at public institutions also are threatening strikes.

People speak of this time as the moment when worker's belt tightening should end. Raises have been minimal over the last five years as the economy has become stronger and unemployment dropped. Salary increases for corporate executives, however, skyrocketed and people are pissed about the situation, stating that they need to have their salaries now rise.

At the same time, prices for everyday things have increased quite dramatically. The Euro is incredibly strong against the dollar, over 1,50 to the dollar. And wealthy Germans are being prosecuted for having used Lichtenstein as a tax haven.

All of the above could make for quite an active, red springtime.