Highlights of the week of September 2-8

German trains to run on time

German Transport Minister Volker Wissing has stepped up the pressure on Deutsche Bahn, demanding that the company come up with a plan to reform and modernize the rail network. A major track reconstruction is planned for the coming years, but the financial situation of the state-owned company leaves much to be desired. Wissing insists on improving train punctuality and the company's efficiency by 2027.

The minister presented a seven-point plan that includes improving the utilization of long-distance trains, reducing administrative costs, investing in infrastructure, improving network management, accelerating digitalization, and developing measures to manage risks in the face of climate change. Wissing also stressed that savings should not lead to the closure of unprofitable routes and that infrastructure should be modernized to ensure reliable and accurate timetables.

There are plans to set up a working group within the Ministry of Transport to review Deutsche Bahn's progress on a quarterly basis. At the same time, representatives of passenger associations and politicians expressed skepticism about the lack of specific measures in Wissing's proposals, pointing to the general and vague language.

Deutsche Bahn must now present concrete steps and respond to the demands of the Ministry of Transport. The reform plan should be presented as soon as possible and contain clear measures to improve the company's performance.

Swiss watchmakers ask for help

Swiss luxury watchmakers have appealed to the government for financial help to weather a drop in demand. Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin are the first to confirm the use of a government program to save jobs and prevent permanent layoffs. Administered by the Sowind Group, 15% of their employees were placed on short-time workin

The program, which was heavily used during the pandemic, allows the government to pay up to 80% of employees' wages when shifts and hours are reduced due to falling demand. This year, some 40 companies in the canton of Jura, the center of watch component production, have applied for compensation for reduced working hours.

Swiss watchmakers have seen a sharp drop in demand, especially in China, after a post-pandemic sales boom. Watch exports fell 2.4 percent in the first seven months of the year, with mid-priced brands particularly affected. More expensive brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe proved more resilient to the crisis.

Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of the Sowind Group, noted that the Chinese economy is not yet improving and a partial recovery of the industry is not expected until 2025 at the earliest.

Pineapples and watermelons instead of Badoo and Tinder

A new pineapple-related trend in Spain is gaining popularity in the search for a soul mate. Lonely people inspired by TikTok videos are heading to Mercadona stores with an upside-down pineapple in their shopping carts, hoping to meet their love. According to the English-language Spanish news site Olive Press, people are entering the stores between 19:00 and 20:00 to find other people with pineapples in the wine section. If they like someone, they may push their carts together, signaling a desire to get acquainted.

The trend caused chaos in the city of Bilbao, where police were called after a crowd gathered at a Mercadona store. The situation was resolved without arrests, but the popularity of pineapples has soared and they have become scarce in some stores.

Meanwhile, Lidl launched its own campaign, inviting customers to look for love in its stores. However, instead of pineapples, they suggested using watermelons. You can participate in the campaign from 18:00 to 19:00.