My Tiny Feed

lemonde.fr

Berlin's Watergate Club to Close

The closure of Berlin's famous Watergate nightclub highlights the challenges facing the city's iconic techno scene and the changing landscape of Kreuzberg.

Read original article in French

French

France

Germany BerlinGentrificationClub CultureNightlifeTechno

WatergateBerghainWilde RenateBerliner Zeitung

Ulrich WombacherKlaus Wowereit

Why is the Watergate club in Berlin closing?: The Watergate club in Berlin, famous for its techno music scene, is closing at the end of the year after 22 years. The closure is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising rent costs.
How does the Watergate's closure reflect broader changes in Berlin?: The article suggests that Berlin's vibrant nightlife, a significant part of its economy and international pop culture identity, is facing challenges due to rising costs and changing social dynamics within the city.
What is the significance of the Watergate's closure for Berlin's club scene?: The closure of the Watergate signifies a potential shift in Berlin's club culture, which once thrived on the city's "poor but sexy" image. Competition from music festivals and changing economic conditions also play a role.
What are some contrasting perspectives on the meaning of the Watergate's closure?: While some might view the Watergate's closure as a symbol of change, others might point out that clubs have always migrated within the city over time. The article highlights the fragility of club culture and its susceptibility to external factors.
What are some of the reasons given for the decline of the Kreuzberg neighborhood?: Ulrich Wombacher, one of Watergate's founders, attributes the club's closure to the deterioration of the Kreuzberg neighborhood, citing increased drug use, homelessness, crime, and general decline.

Jan 23, 13:09

Aschaffenburg Knife Attack Spurs Calls for Stricter German Immigration Policies

A knife attack in Aschaffenburg, Germany, on Wednesday killed a two-year-old boy and a 41-year-old man; the 28-year-old Afghan suspect's deportation to Bulgaria was delayed due to bureaucratic issues, sparking calls for stricter immigration policies.

Jan 23, 13:09

Aschaffenburg Knife Attack: Child and Bystander Killed

In Aschaffenburg, Germany, a knife attack killed a child and a bystander, injuring several others; the detained attacker is an Afghan national facing deportation.

Jan 23, 01:10

Afghan Asylum Seeker Kills Two in German Knife Attack

In Aschaffenburg, Germany, a 28-year-old Afghan asylum seeker with a history of violence and psychiatric treatment stabbed a 2-year-old boy and a man to death on Wednesday, injuring two more people, one a toddler. The attacker, who had been ordered to leave the country but failed to do so, is suspected to have mental health issues; there is no indication of terrorism.

Jan 23, 01:10

Corporate Appeasement and Religious Resistance to Trump's Policies

Top executives from major US companies and prominent German politicians have shown support for Donald Trump, while religious leaders like Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde have openly criticized his policies, highlighting the contrast between appeasement and resistance to right-wing extremism.