eugyppius: a plague chronicle

eugyppius: a plague chronicle critically explores failures in global and German responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine efficacy and safety, political and media dynamics, public policy, and cultural shifts. It outlines the deep skepticism of government actions, pharmaceutical motives, and prevailing narratives about health and freedom.

COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Safety and Efficacy Government and Politics Media and Public Perception Public Policy and Civil Liberties Health and Science Skepticism Global and National Responses to Crises

The hottest Substack posts of eugyppius: a plague chronicle

And their main takeaways
349 implied HN points 04 Mar 25
  1. The U.S. suspended military aid to Ukraine, which led to unrest among European leaders. They worry about what this means for their support of Ukraine and their own security.
  2. European politicians are feeling anxious and uncertain about their role as the U.S. changes its stance. They have to rethink how they approach their defense and alliances.
  3. Ukraine is struggling in its conflict with Russia, and without U.S. support, the situation may worsen. Support from Europe may not be enough to change the outcome of the war.
129 implied HN points 03 Mar 25
  1. A man drove his car into a crowded festival in Mannheim, causing tragic injuries and deaths. The incident left two people dead and ten others hurt.
  2. After the attack, the suspect fled but was later arrested by the police. He also attempted to harm himself while being apprehended.
  3. Authorities have indicated that the suspect did not have any political motivations for his actions. His history suggests he has been struggling with psychological issues.
316 implied HN points 01 Mar 25
  1. Zelensky has been traveling to talk to world leaders about UKraine, but some people find his approach irritating. He believes in unity and democracy, but others think he’s become too much of a celebrity.
  2. A recent press conference between Zelensky and Trump turned sour, showing a breakdown in US-Ukraine relations. It highlighted disagreements over the war in Ukraine and differing views on responsibility for the conflict.
  3. The press conference was meant to be private negotiations but turned into a public disagreement. Many believe Zelensky didn’t handle the meeting well, and it may have lasting effects on their relationship.
261 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. Many voters in Germany are leaving the traditional political parties, like CDU and SPD, which might lead to them not representing their followers well in future coalitions.
  2. The election results showed a growing divide, with new parties rising in popularity while older ones, especially the SPD, faced major losses and changes in leadership.
  3. The AfD has gained significant support and could challenge the existing parties, suggesting a shift in the political landscape that might make future governance difficult.
237 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. Germany has a complex party system with traditional parties like CDU/CSU and SPD facing challenges as new parties like AfD and Die Linke gain prominence. Understanding these dynamics helps explain current political tensions.
  2. The CDU/CSU and SPD have historically dominated German politics, but both are in decline now, with the AfD making significant gains by attracting discontented voters from these parties.
  3. The political landscape in Germany is shifting, with a growing divide between traditional parties and newcomers, which could lead to significant changes in governance if the current system can't adapt.
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169 implied HN points 23 Feb 25
  1. The election results are too close to call, making it hard to predict the outcome. This uncertainty means we'll have to wait for more counting before we know who really won.
  2. Some parties didn't do as well as expected while others performed better. It's surprising how quickly things can change in politics.
  3. Coalition possibilities are unclear because some smaller parties are close to the 5% threshold. This will impact how the bigger parties can team up to form a government.
378 implied HN points 17 Feb 25
  1. J.D. Vance criticized European leaders for being closed and not listening to the people. He believes that real security comes from embracing democratic values and voices of citizens.
  2. He pointed out that issues like internet censorship and political repression are undermining democracy in Europe and the U.S. He urged leaders to fight for free speech instead of shutting down dissenting opinions.
  3. Vance highlighted that mass migration is a pressing issue that people are concerned about. He called for leaders to take these concerns seriously and respond to the will of the voters.
213 implied HN points 21 Feb 25
  1. Germany has strict rules about what people can say online, punishments can be severe for simply insulting politicians or expressing unpopular opinions.
  2. There are companies that profit by filing complaints against people for these speech 'crimes', creating a culture of fear and censorship.
  3. The author feels personally threatened by these laws, worrying about their own freedom to express thoughts online, even if they are not breaking the law.
243 implied HN points 20 Feb 25
  1. The current German political system is facing a crisis due to the fear of the political class towards their own people. They are stuck in old ways and unable to change policies that aren't working.
  2. The CDU, a major political party, might find itself in a tough spot. If they don't collaborate with the far-right AfD party, they risk losing power to the left-wing parties who could form a strong coalition.
  3. There's a chance the CDU will have to make hard compromises to stay relevant. If they keep ignoring the AfD, they may end up with a government that doesn't reflect what many voters want.
260 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. Farhad Noori, an asylum seeker in Germany, was involved in a serious incident where he drove into a crowd, injuring 28 people. This shocking event raises concerns about safety at public demonstrations.
  2. Noori had a history including theft and drug offenses, and his asylum application had been rejected previously. His case highlights issues around immigration policies and how they're enforced.
  3. Following the attack, there will likely be discussions about increasing security measures and debates about immigration, as communities react to the implications of such violent incidents.
230 implied HN points 11 Feb 25
  1. Protests in Germany are increasingly targeting those labeled as 'the right,' which now includes not just far-right parties but also center-right ones. This means many voters are being seen as needing 'reeducation.'
  2. The government is allegedly using taxpayer money to finance protests against political opposition, which raises questions about fairness in democracy. Nonprofit groups linked to the state are involved in organizing these protests.
  3. There is a growing tension in German politics where opposition to the ruling parties is being met with protests and accusations of extremism, which might push voters towards more populist, right-wing parties.
267 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. Germany's political scene is in chaos. Major parties are refusing to form coalitions or work together after new migrations plans were introduced.
  2. The CDU party is facing backlash for its sudden hardline stance on migration, making it hard to find potential partners for a government.
  3. There are fears that the political deadlock could lead to a more extreme right-wing approach, as no clear path to a stable government has emerged.
270 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. An anti-migration resolution passed in the German Bundestag for the first time with support from a right-wing party. This shows a shift in the political landscape.
  2. The resolution vote was very close, indicating strong opinions on migration in the country. It suggests future legislation on migration might also pass.
  3. The left side of parliament reacted strongly, showing they feel threatened by the growing support for anti-migration policies. This could lead to more tensions in future coalition talks.
138 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. Pervasive media propaganda can actually backfire on those in power. It might stop some dissent, but it can also lead to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. Government agencies like USAID play a big role in funding media, but this could create problems for the political elite. Their support for certain narratives can drive people towards opposing views.
  3. Political chaos, like the situation in Germany, can arise from too much media manipulation. This confusion might drive more voters to support populist movements.
205 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. An anti-migration bill in Germany failed to pass, highlighting deep divisions between political parties. Many protests erupted against the CDU after Angela Merkel criticized their cooperation with the AfD.
  2. The failed bill has hurt CDU leadership, particularly Friedrich Merz, who faces backlash from both leftist groups and critics within his own party. His inability to deliver on migration policy raises questions about his future.
  3. The political climate is tense, with leftist parties seeing an opportunity to rally against the CDU. The situation suggests growing support for the AfD as more voters may lean towards right-wing parties due to migration issues.
165 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. Racism is seen as a confusing idea that doesn't make sense. Many people believe it should be left behind by society.
  2. There is a concern that talking honestly about people's behaviors can lead to accusations of racism. It suggests that discussing issues like mass migration can be a sensitive topic.
  3. Some argue that viewing all humans as the same overlooks important differences. They believe that understanding these differences is crucial for rational discussions.
199 implied HN points 27 Jan 25
  1. Friedrich Merz, a CDU leader, is trying to pass new laws to limit migration in Germany. He hopes to gain support from the AfD party to do this, which is a big change in German politics.
  2. Merz initially faced backlash for considering AfD support, showing the tension within his party. He seems to be realizing that he needs to address migration seriously to keep his party relevant.
  3. Public opinion is generally behind Merz's stricter migration measures, with many Germans wanting changes. This could reshape the political landscape in Germany as parties adjust to these demands.
237 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. An Afghan migrant in Germany committed a violent attack, which resulted in two deaths and several injuries. This event raises concerns about public safety in areas known for high crime.
  2. The attacker was in Germany illegally and had a history of criminal behavior but had not been deported. This situation highlights possible issues in the immigration and asylum system.
  3. Local groups organized a memorial to honor the victims and promote solidarity, while officials stressed the importance of not blaming entire communities for the actions of one individual.
198 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. The CDU party in Germany is now considering working with the AfD party to address migration issues. This is a big change because they usually avoid that party.
  2. Recent violent incidents involving migrants have increased pressure on CDU to take a stronger stance on migration policies. This has forced them to rethink their political strategies.
  3. If the CDU does start cooperating with the AfD, it could shift the entire political landscape in Germany and make other parties less relevant.
62 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. The author is working on a German translation of their book about pandemicism, which is overdue. They are trying to balance writing and keeping up with posting but have found it challenging.
  2. Maintaining a regular posting schedule while managing the translation work has proven to be too ambitious. The author recognizes this struggle and is aiming to finish the project soon.
  3. The text highlights the importance of managing expectations and deadlines when juggling multiple writing projects. It's okay to seek help or adjust plans when things get overwhelming.
210 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. Trump's recent presidential win is seen as historic and significant, even amid serious legal troubles. Many believe his political presence will shape the future beyond just his own ambitions.
  2. Despite facing strong opposition from critics who labeled him as dangerous, Trump's power and influence have proven tough to overcome.
  3. The candidates that ran against him were considered weak by many, showing that Trump's political style is still very effective despite criticism.
216 implied HN points 15 Jan 25
  1. Germany's government is getting very worried about people's opinions on social media. They're planning new measures to control these 'unfiltered opinions.'
  2. There's a push to regulate internet memes, showing just how serious officials are about controlling what people can say online.
  3. Some officials believe that criticism of the public media could harm democracy, which raises concerns about free speech and the ability to discuss different viewpoints.
299 implied HN points 05 Jan 25
  1. A tourist in Berlin caused a lot of trouble by shooting fireworks into a child's bedroom on New Year's Eve. This act resulted in a huge backlash from the community.
  2. The tourist, later identified as Atallah Younes, didn't seem to know the risks involved and was shocked by the angry reactions on social media.
  3. Younes was arrested at the airport on charges related to the incident, highlighting the serious consequences of his actions that night.
363 implied HN points 29 Dec 24
  1. Elon Musk believes Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is key to saving Germany. He argues that their policies can help revive the economy and address social tensions.
  2. Critics of Musk's views worry that his support for the AfD undermines Germany's political stability. They feel that allowing such opinions can influence public perception negatively.
  3. Musk's perspective highlights a broader discomfort with the traditional political order in Germany. Many Germans feel their concerns are ignored by established parties.
224 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. In Germany, there's a group that decides every year on a word they find unacceptable, calling it the 'Unword of the Year.' This word is often seen as politically incorrect.
  2. The latest 'Unword' chosen is 'biodeutsch,' which means ethnic German. This term is now said to be racist, even though it was originally used to highlight distinctions in identity.
  3. 'Unwords' aim to create awareness about harmful language, but critics argue it actually limits free speech and the ability to discuss cultural identities openly.
295 implied HN points 04 Jan 25
  1. Elon Musk is facing criticism in Germany for his tweets that some view as undermining democracy. Many people are particularly concerned about his support for a far-right political party called Alternative für Deutschland.
  2. German politicians and journalists are reacting strongly against Musk's comments. They are worried that his influence could disrupt democratic processes in the country.
  3. There are calls from German leaders for Musk to stop interfering in their political affairs. They emphasize the importance of protecting democracy and the need for responsible communication from influential figures.
204 implied HN points 11 Jan 25
  1. Alternative für Deutschland is gaining support in recent polls, showing a significant increase in their popularity.
  2. The centre-right CDU is struggling to maintain voter support and is stuck in a pattern of negative messaging against the AfD.
  3. Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, is linking his future to not cooperating with the AfD, even as many of his own supporters lean towards them.
133 implied HN points 18 Jan 25
  1. Germany's politics are stuck and slow to change. Other countries are moving forward, but Germany is lagging behind in responding to new challenges.
  2. The current political system in Germany seems to prioritize maintaining the status quo over adapting to citizens' needs. This could lead to poor governance in the future.
  3. There is a sense that Germany wants to set a good example for the world, but this approach may not solve its domestic issues or reflect the changing global landscape.
182 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Mark Zuckerberg announced a shift in Facebook's content policies, saying he wants to focus on free expression and simplify rules. He plans to phase out fact-checkers and bring back more political content.
  2. Some European leaders are expressing strong concerns about this approach, fearing it might lead to more dangerous speech online. They worry that American social media giants might undermine rules in Europe.
  3. There's a growing tension between American social media companies and European regulations, which could lead to major changes in how the internet operates in those regions.
286 implied HN points 21 Dec 24
  1. A man drove a vehicle into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, resulting in five deaths and over 200 injuries. This was a significant attack, following a similar event in Berlin in 2016.
  2. The attacker, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, was a psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia with a controversial history, including claims of terrorism that the German authorities had previously dismissed.
  3. Before the attack, al-Abdulmohsen expressed disturbed views online, believing that he was being persecuted and linking this to broader conspiracies involving Islam in Europe.
249 implied HN points 20 Dec 24
  1. Elon Musk's tweet about a German political party has stirred a lot of controversy. Many people think his words could harm democracy in Germany.
  2. German politicians and media have reacted strongly, claiming Musk's statement is an attack on their political system. They feel that a foreign billionaire should not interfere in their elections.
  3. Some believe that if a political system is easily shaken by a simple tweet, it may not be very strong. The ongoing outrage reveals deeper tensions in German political discourse.
208 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. The attacker at the Magdeburg Christmas market had a long history of strange and threatening behavior, which was often overlooked by the police and legal authorities.
  2. Despite making numerous threats and showing unstable behavior, the attacker was allowed to stay in Germany, receiving various residency permits instead of being deported.
  3. People misinterpreted the attacker's motives, with some trying to label him as a right-wing terrorist or a jihadist, but he seemed to have no clear political agenda.
149 implied HN points 06 Jan 25
  1. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is gaining support, reaching 21.5% in recent polls, which is their highest in a year. This suggests they might have a stronger presence in upcoming elections.
  2. A significant number of voters, even from various parties, believe that the AfD is Germany's last hope, indicating a shift in public sentiment. This includes some surprising support from traditional voters like those in the Greens and Social Democrats.
  3. The outcome of the elections could depend on minor parties like Die Linke, as their performance can affect the overall balance of power. If they win certain districts, it would complicate things for larger parties trying to form a coalition.
312 implied HN points 03 Dec 24
  1. Angela Merkel's memoir has received a mix of reviews, with many readers critiquing her lack of self-reflection. They feel she does not acknowledge her mistakes during her time as chancellor.
  2. Amazon has stopped accepting new reviews for the book after receiving a lot of negative feedback, showing that readers are not happy with its content.
  3. Mainstream media reviews are generally positive, focusing on Merkel's achievements, while ordinary readers have a more critical view of her legacy and writing style.
272 implied HN points 01 Dec 24
  1. Mass migration can bring many challenges to small towns, including noise, crime, and cultural clashes. It can change the feel of a peaceful community very quickly.
  2. Local residents often support refugees in theory but don't want to share their own neighborhoods. They may feel overwhelmed when a large number of migrants are added to a small community.
  3. Planning decisions about housing refugees may be made by distant authorities, leaving locals feeling powerless. This can lead to frustration and protests against such developments.
230 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. A 74-year-old woman in Germany was convicted for expressing negative views about migrants on social media. Her comments were deemed incitement, leading to a hefty fine.
  2. The case highlights the tension in Germany over free speech and political criticism, especially related to migration policies. Many believe her opinions reflect common sentiments among the public.
  3. The woman's conviction could lead to financial hardship, as her monthly pension is relatively low. She could be paying off fines for many years if her sentence is not overturned.
134 implied HN points 31 Dec 24
  1. A recent poll shows a rise in support for the AfD party in Germany, reaching a new high. This suggests shifts in political preferences among voters.
  2. The Free Democrats are experiencing a significant drop in support, indicating trouble for that party right now.
  3. The traditional parties like the Christian Democrats and Greens may struggle to form a coalition, as their support is too low.
170 implied HN points 17 Dec 24
  1. A new government in Thüringen called the 'blackberry coalition' was formed to keep the AfD party out of power. This coalition includes very different parties working together for a common goal.
  2. The appointment of Tilo Kummer, a former Stasi officer, as a cabinet minister is a notable change. This is the first time a person with such a background has held a government position in Germany.
  3. The political situation is tense, with many people raising concerns about the compromises made to prevent the AfD from ruling, even if it means working with parties they previously disagreed with.
211 implied HN points 05 Dec 24
  1. The U.S. State Department spends a lot of money to influence media coverage against its rivals. This shows how powerful and coordinated media can be.
  2. Many journalists and media outlets may not realize they are being funded or influenced by the U.S. government. This raises questions about the independence of journalism.
  3. People notice that despite having many different media outlets, they often share the same viewpoints. This suggests there might be stronger connections among them than we think.
264 implied HN points 22 Nov 24
  1. NATO's actions could make Europe more vulnerable to nuclear conflict, especially with increasing tensions between Russia and the West.
  2. Recent military strikes and responses show that this conflict is escalating and could lead to serious consequences for all parties involved.
  3. Some European politicians seem to underestimate the risks of warfare, believing the US will always protect them from the fallout of their provocative decisions.