Claudia Pechstein. Photo: Michael Kappeler

The speech by the conservative politician Claudia Pechstein caused resentment in Germany because it was linked, albeit indirectly, to National Socialism. Dressed in police uniform, she advocated tougher antiimmigration measures and a “traditional” family model. With information from Folha de S.Paulo.

Pechstein was not only a police officer and former Bundestag candidate for the centreright party, but also a speed skater and is one of the most wellknown German athletes of recent times.

“I speak often to my fellow police officers and we all agree that we need to help those who need help. But when people come here, they apply for asylum, and a judge decides that they don’t have that right, so I don’t understand why they stay here,” the former athlete said during an event hosted by the CDU state conservative party.

The police officer linked illegal immigrants in Germany to crime. “Solving this problem would bring more security to people’s everyday lives. “Using public transport and looking around is a problem that affects the everyday life of many, especially older women,” he shot.

Pechstein’s speeches, and in particular his decision to attend a political event in uniform, sparked controversy in Germany. The country is witnessing a new wave of the rise of the far right, and any reference to the Nazi past provokes violent reactions.

Leftwing politicians, activists and part of the German press considered the statements biased and racist.

Pechstein also used the speech to defend the concept of a “traditional” family consisting of a man and a woman. “An intact family is still a role model for most Germans. The country’s children have to struggle with many problems and therefore not only want a good job, but also a traditional family with mother and father. Above all, the CDU politicians must take care of this traditional family,” he said.

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With both feet in the foam or on stage with a magician, the children smiled wildly and enjoyed the outdoor activities organized to celebrate Saturday’s National Day in Quebec.

• Also read: Thousands of spectators on the plains: the Quebecers did not shy away from Émile Bilodeau and their national holiday

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Although the early afternoon rain certainly discouraged many, there were still numerous young people flocking to the various parks that Le Journal visited.

There was no shortage of activities at the Moulin des Jésuites in Charlesbourg, from a small farm to inflatable games and a traveling show.

Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre

“It’s really a party. Every year we organize a Saint-Jean event because it’s nice to see that people are in a good mood, want to celebrate, get together and have fun,” emphasizes the manager of the Moulin des Jésuites, Delphine Delmas.

Assembly on Myrand

At Parc Myrand in Sainte-Foy, the national holiday served more as an excuse to bring traders, organizations and citizens together in one place.

The block party was the perfect opportunity for youngsters to transform into sumo wrestlers for a few minutes and run through the foam-filled water features.

Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre

“We weren’t sure about the weather, but we’re still very happy to have people there. As soon as the activities started, the park filled up and that’s exactly what we wanted,” explains Lilu Grenier, project manager at Agence 714.

Some were even lucky enough to get a free haircut while songs from Jay Scott to Roommates echoed through the park.

“Everyone is happy, young and old are having fun. Even if there is some rain, it’s still a very nice day,” she concluded.

Thousands of people gathered in Montreal for the Saint Jean Baptiste parade.

*See Philippe Bessette’s account in the video above*

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“Africa changes your life. i would stay here “I can’t be the same anymore,” you say as you fly home after a month of volunteering on the continent you’ve traveled more in your life than most of its residents. Two realities that should be one but are not: it is one thing to live in poverty and another to experience certain deprivations when visiting.

Living without electricity (but by the light of your iPhone’s flashlight) or eating rice every day can please you and seem “exotic” for a limited time. Your mind is counting down the days until you return, fully aware that there is an escape route and knowing that if you get tired you can take a plane back and return to your comfort zone. And in that moment of return, the well-known idealization of poverty takes place.

Peak season: Good doctor seeks sick black man

The heat is coming, summer is approaching and the high season of tourism, volunteering and volunteer work is beginning. For another year, our inboxes are full of messages from well-intentioned people who want to help “wherever it’s needed” because “I’ve always wanted to help” and with a heart without a head “I’ve already started”. Collect all kinds of medicines”.

When I see the work of many NGOs in Africa, I ask myself: where are the black doctors?

Both professionals from medicine, nursing and other health areas work well together and do voluntary activities throughout the year, but on these dates we also succumb to the dreaded “voluntary”. Look for a sick black man this summer, good doctor. It’s a very obvious message that can be read between the lines of most campaigns.

Five “zascas” to idealize poverty

Doctors have prejudices, we are doctors with limitations. Here are some examples:

– “I just had my first C-section in Africa and in my life. What an adrenaline rush.” And I hope it’s the last time. In Africa you will not experiment or use techniques that are not allowed in your country.

– “Fortunately they didn’t catch my suitcase loaded with medicines. Since they are so corrupt, they would have made me pay for it.” Let’s not appreciate the corruption of a foreign country we’ve just landed in. But what we can say is that (medical) material cannot be brought in in this way.

– “I want to go help and they said no!” Accept that volunteering does not meet your needs, but those of the beneficiaries. Although it may not appear so, as this is not always the case, if you do not meet a number of conditions, you must accept “no” as an answer.

When you donate material from the hospital, you’re not actually donating it, you’re stealing it

– “I have been told that two months is a short time.” It is clear that two months is more than one, but a longer stay is certainly not two months.

– “I have already started asking all my colleagues to start collecting all kinds of medicines. Surely everything is useful in Africa.” Do not steal any material from the hospital. When you donate material from the hospital, you’re not actually donating it, you’re stealing it. Did you ask what you need? Have you seen if you can get it in the country?

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Decolonize the spirit and cooperation

Decolonize the mind, as stated in writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s book of the same name. If there are no medicines, it is not a question of smuggling them in, but of creating the conditions for their manufacture. If there are no doctors, it’s not about helping when I’m fine. Not training informally, but strengthening the health and training system through the country’s institutions after a complex preliminary analysis, obviously cannot be accomplished in a long stay of two months.

When I see the work of many NGOs in Africa, I ask myself: where are the black doctors? Here’s an example: The medical director of a Norwegian hospital is surprised by a man in a hat. He speaks a language I don’t know, but he makes himself understood with his few words of English. He hardly understands any Spanish. He says he is a doctor, he wears a stethoscope around his neck, but what is striking is the fact that he is not wearing a lab coat and wears very short pants above his knees. “Hi! I’m a doctor and I’m from the ‘coop’ to help with whatever is needed. I can visit children, adults, pregnant women, help with deliveries, I can help with cleaning, cook… you name it !’ Apparently the director is asking for the title of doctor and specialist in paediatrics, since she confirms that it is her and that she didn’t bring it with her.

Don’t do in Ethiopia what you wouldn’t do in Norway.

The W of journalism applies to voluntary commitment and cooperation

• Que? What is a voluntary service? What is cooperative? What is development cooperation? What is humanitarian aid? What is voluntourism?
• Why? ‘Cause I wanna go Why do they need it or me? I insist: Not everything is possible. Good intention is necessary but not sufficient.
• For what reason? So that. To find myself? have an experience? Help? To build a better world? Avoid posting photos on social media as much as possible. Always respect people and especially children. Use the networks sensibly.
• Where? To where? Where is it necessary? Where I want?
• How? How do I train? Conduct a training and learning process: before, during and after. Accredit and validate your education and experience.
• If? If? And how long? A few months? Years? Lifespan? Can I make a living from this?
• Quien? With who? NGOs, governments, associations, foundations… Don’t do it alone. It is advisable to contact a recognized organization.

Cooperation and aid have changed, they have improved, but there is still a long way to go to eradicate the colonial mentality and white supremacy.

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