New round of strikes in Berlin disrupts public transport

Berlin experienced a new round of transport strikes on Monday, bringing the German capital's public transit system to a standstill and forcing commuters to seek alternative transportation.

The strike, sparked by disputes over higher wages for about 16,000 employees of Berlin's public transport operator BVG (Berlin Transport Company), began at 03:00 on Monday and will last 24 hours.

Organized by Germany's largest trade union Verdi, the warning strike is set to halt services for trams, underground trains and most buses across the city, putting additional pressure on BVG. This is the second warning strike in less than three weeks.

Tram, underground train, and most bus services will be suspended during the strike, with the exception of the S-Bahn light rail network, causing disruption to public transport.

A visitor from Sweden said he had to delay multiple plans due to the strike.

"In the middle of the night, I was searching for a train, for everything. There was nothing. And then I had to take a taxi. And that's all. I had not suspected that something could happen in Berlin like this, but right now it's only the S-Bahn," he said.

Since Feb 6, several German cities have seen repeated transport strikes at the call of German service industry unions over wage disputes.

On Monday, strikes also affected cities in the states of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, heavily restricting public transportation and suspending some train services. Strikes are set to spread to more than 30 other cities and regions across the country from Tuesday to Wednesday.

New round of strikes in Berlin disrupts public transport

New round of strikes in Berlin disrupts public transport

New round of strikes in Berlin disrupts public transport

New round of strikes in Berlin disrupts public transport

New round of strikes in Berlin disrupts public transport

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution