Germany in Brief
May 7, 2003
Germans may soon only have to undergo six months of mandatory military service instead of nine, the German Federal Armed Forces Association said on Wednesday. The head of association, Berhard Gertz, said he hoped for a decision to be reached this year. The new rules could become law by 2004, he added. Under German law, all German males over the age of 18 must do military service. Conscientious objectors may do community service instead, working for organizations such as the International Red Cross and in German hospitals.
Price of beer to go up
Germany's largest brewery announced today it would be hiking the price of a German pint by 5 cents a liter. Holsten said they were only raising the prices for canned and bottled beer; prices for draught beer will remain the same. The price changes come into effect on June 10. Germany's second and third largest breweries, Warsteiner and Radeberger, have also raised their prices this year. Prices for one of Germany's favorite drinks rose by 7 percent in 2002. The increases were put down to rising production and raw material costs.
Trabis for Africa
The once ubiquitous Trabant might be a rare sight on East German streets nowadays, but if all goes according to plan for a Trabi manufacturer from the German state of Saxony, the cars may soon be on the roads of Africa. Developers of the specially constructed Trabi, renamed the "AfriCar," say it is perfect for Africa, since it needs little gasoline and is easily repaired. Costing €3,000 ($3,400), the AfriCar could be on the streets of Africa within two years, if enough investors can be found.
Compiled from material from wire services.