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Germany legalizes recreational cannabis use

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Germany’s lower house of parliament recently passed a bill legalizing cannabis for limited recreational use, despite facing opposition and warnings from medical authorities. The legislation allows adults to possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use, with strict regulations in place to prevent access by minors. The bill received significant support from 407 lawmakers, while 226 opposed it, with four abstentions. Germany now joins the ranks of Malta and Luxembourg as the third European country to legalize recreational cannabis, marking a significant shift in drug policy.

Under the new legislation, adults in Germany will be permitted to cultivate a limited number of cannabis plants for private consumption. Additionally, they will be allowed to possess specified amounts of cannabis both at home and in public spaces. Licensed not-for-profit clubs will also have the authority to distribute cannabis to adult members, further regulating its availability and distribution channels.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has emphasized that the primary objective of the law is to prioritize child and youth protection. Despite the legalization of cannabis for adult use, strict measures will be implemented to prevent minors from accessing the drug. Lauterbach reiterated that while cannabis consumption is being legalized, it is essential to acknowledge its potential dangers and risks.

However, the legalization of cannabis in Germany has faced opposition from various quarters, including the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Critics argue that the legislation undermines efforts to protect children and young people from the harms of drug use. CDU lawmaker Tino Sorge criticized the government, likening its actions to that of a “state drug dealer.”

Furthermore, medical authorities, such as the German Medical Associations (GMA), have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of cannabis legalization. GMA President Klaus Reinhardt warned that legalization could lead to increased consumption and trivialize the associated risks. Reinhardt emphasized the addictive nature of cannabis and its potential to cause serious developmental damage, advocating against its legalization in Germany.

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Mona Lisa: Protesters throw soup at da Vinci painting

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Environmental protesters targeted the iconic Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris, throwing soup at the protected artwork to emphasize their call for the right to “healthy and sustainable food.” The 16th Century masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, housed behind protective glass, remained undamaged despite the unconventional protest.

Video footage captured two female protesters, affiliated with a group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack), tossing liquid at the painting and raising questions about the perceived prioritization of art over the fundamental right to nutritious food. The protesters, clad in T-shirts reading “food counterattack,” stood in front of the artwork, asserting concerns about the agricultural system and the challenges faced by farmers.

The Louvre promptly assured the public that the painting was unharmed, thanks to the security measures in place. The Salle des Etats, where the Mona Lisa is displayed, was evacuated, and the room reopened to visitors after cleaning at 11:30 local time. The museum announced its intention to file a complaint regarding the incident.

The group Riposte Alimentaire released a statement, posted on social media platform X, explaining that the protest was part of their broader efforts to integrate “food into the general social security system.” They argued that the current food model stigmatizes the most vulnerable and fails to respect the fundamental right to food. The group proposed the issuance of a monthly food card worth €150 (£128) for citizens to use on food.

France’s Minister for Culture, Rachida Dati, condemned the act, stating that “no cause” could justify targeting the Mona Lisa, emphasizing the painting’s status as part of the heritage for future generations. The incident occurred amid ongoing farmer protests in Paris, where demonstrators sought relief from rising fuel costs and simplified regulations, blocking key roads in and out of the city.

The Mona Lisa, housed in the Louvre since the early 1950s, has been shielded behind safety glass. In 2019, the museum installed a more transparent form of bulletproof glass to enhance its protection. This incident echoes a 2022 event when an activist threw cake at the painting, urging people to “think of the Earth.” The Mona Lisa’s history includes a notorious theft in 1911, with recovery two years later after the perpetrator attempted to sell it in Italy.

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Italy Settles Tab for Tourists’ Dine and Dash in Albania

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Italy’s government has taken a remarkable diplomatic step by covering the restaurant expenses of four Italian tourists who engaged in a dine and dash episode in Albania. This incident, which gained attention in both nations, led Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss the matter with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, during her visit to Albania. In response, Meloni instructed her ambassador to personally settle the bill for these tourists, as recounted by Edi Rama in an interview with La Stampa.

Confirming the action, Italy’s embassy in Albania issued a statement, acknowledging the payment of the bill, estimated to be around €80 (£68), on behalf of its citizens. The embassy emphasized Italy’s adherence to regulations and the expectation that such incidents would not recur.

Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s agriculture minister and Giorgia Meloni’s brother-in-law, was also part of the Albanian trip. He expressed that taking responsibility for the bill was a matter of national pride, asserting that the actions of a few dishonest individuals should not tarnish the reputation of a nation of honorable people.

The exact date of the dine and dash event remains unclear, but surveillance footage depicting the group exiting the restaurant and disappearing into the night has gained substantial traction on social media platforms. The owner of the restaurant conveyed to Albania’s Report TV that this was the first instance of customers departing without settling their bill. Interestingly, the four Italian tourists had even expressed their appreciation for the quality of the food before leaving the establishment.

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