Zilkens' News Blog 35 2025
Only 17 weeks to go – and then this year will be behind us again. Tempus fugit, and despite frenzied diplomatic travel between Alaska and the White House, the Russian potentates are digging in their heels. Even on Ukrainian Independence Day – which was yesterday – the bombing continued. Ukraine is now increasingly building its own weapons, having learned that the lofty speeches of its ... read more
Zilkens' News Blog 34 2025
Last Friday in Alaska wasn't really that great. The images of the two alpha males were not inspiring either. Here we have two men who couldn't care less about democracy. One comes from a country where attempts at democracy have failed miserably, and the other is trying to introduce absolutist conditions in a country that has traditionally been a defender of democracy and freedom, using ... read more
Zilkens'News Blog 33 2025
The coalition has made the first adjustments to the pension system. The pension level is to be stabilized at 48% of average income by 2031, and the mothers' pension has been expanded. In addition, working in retirement has been made more attractive. From 2027, this is to be financed not only by billions in tax revenue but also by an increase in the pension contribution ... read more
Zilkens'News Blog 32 2025
August – the republic is on holiday and even the Chancellor is taking a few days off. His deputy, who does not belong to the same party, is using this opportunity to quickly push through a few laws that will benefit his clientele, but not the German SMEs, which represent by far the largest number of companies (more than 90%) and will have to bear ... read more
Zilkens' News Blog 31 2025
At the end of July, Europe is at least at the height of its summer sluggishness. There are hardly any exhibition openings left. Those intended to attract tourists opened long ago. Galleries often close for at least 14 days to enjoy the summer and use the time to recover from near-sales. Strength is needed in these times, when economic disruptions are no longer passing by ... read more
Zilkens' News Blog 30 2025
Finally, a company has once again dared to buy and display art in a way that attracts public attention. Deutsche Telekom has purchased one of my favourite elephants by Miguel Barcelo and, with the help of the Art and Culture Foundation in Bonn, has installed it in front of its administration building. Now, visitors can admire Barcelo's work right next to Beethoven's birthplace. And if ... read more