Wikipedia’s Community vs. Right-Wing Manipulation: A Fight for Truth

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Wikipedia has been under attack. Right-wing extremists tried to change history, twist facts, and spread their own version of the truth. But they didn’t expect the pushback. This is the story of how the Wikipedia community came together to defend the truth—and won.
The Secret Plot to Rewrite History
In 2007, a sharp-eyed Wikipedia user named “Eintragung ins Nichts” (“Entry into Nothingness”) noticed something strange. A group of accounts was repeatedly editing articles about World War II, right-wing extremism, and antifascism. Their changes weren’t minor—they were designed to rewrite history.
The method? “Sockpuppets“—multiple fake accounts controlled by a single group—were used to make it seem like there was widespread agreement on false information. One of the biggest attempts was to introduce the term “Red Holocaust,” a phrase pushed by far-right groups to equate Nazi crimes with communist actions, watering down Germany’s responsibility for the war.
Wikipedia’s Community Fights Back
But Wikipedia’s volunteers refused to let misinformation win. Editors and administrators launched an investigation using special tools to track suspicious accounts. What they uncovered was shocking: more than 700 fake accounts were working together to spread false narratives.
Over three years, the Wikipedia community fought back, banning these accounts one by one. But the attackers didn’t stop. They created new accounts, found new ways to manipulate pages, and continued their attempts to twist history. What made Wikipedia’s response powerful wasn’t a central authority taking charge—it was ordinary people, working together, who refused to let truth be erased.
Another Front: The Croatian Wikipedia Takeover
The battle wasn’t just in German Wikipedia. In the 2010s, Croatian Wikipedia was hijacked from within. Nationalist administrators took control, rewriting history to downplay Croatia’s fascist past. Articles about the Ustaša, the country’s World War II fascist movement, were whitewashed. The concentration camp Jasenovac, where thousands of Serbs, Jews, and Roma were murdered, was falsely described as a “labor camp”.
Unlike in Germany, where an active community stopped the manipulation, Croatian Wikipedia was dominated by extremists for years. Editors who tried to correct falsehoods were banned. Only after public outcry from historians, journalists, and even the Wikimedia Foundation did the issue gain wider attention—but fixing the damage took years.
Why This Battle Still Matters
Wikipedia’s fight against manipulation is far from over. Right-wing groups continue to try to spread their version of history, and smaller Wikipedia editions remain especially vulnerable. But there’s hope:
– The Power of Transparency: Because Wikipedia is open, people can detect and correct manipulation.– Community Matters: Automated tools help, but human editors are the real defenders of truth.– We Need More Editors: Fewer people are actively contributing to Wikipedia, making it more vulnerable to future attacks. If young people stop editing, who will protect the truth?
Wikipedia’s volunteers showed that misinformation isn’t unbeatable. They proved that ordinary people can stand up to organized manipulation. But their success depends on one thing: a strong, engaged community.
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Solar Energy Instead of Power Outages in Pakistan: How the Population is Driving the Countries Energy Transition

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In a world increasingly impacted by climate change and rising energy costs, Pakistan emerges as a surprising example of an impressive energy transition. The use of solar energy is booming—not driven by large corporations, but by the people themselves. Motivated by rising electricity prices and the need for a stable energy supply, more and more households and small businesses are turning to solar power. Through initiative and ingenuity, Pakistanis are creating their own energy solutions.
Electricity prices in Pakistan have skyrocketed in recent years, placing an almost unbearable burden on many families. Since 2021, rates have increased by more than 155%. Simultaneously, the power supply remains unreliable. Frequent power outages, known as “load shedding,” are implemented to ease the grid’s burden and have become a daily reality for many. Especially during the scorching summer months, when temperatures soar above 40°C and fans and air conditioning are essential, this situation can become life-threatening for some.
Rising Electricity Prices Force Pakistanis to Act
The combination of rising prices and an unstable supply has triggered a solar energy boom among Pakistanis. Increasingly, people are installing solar panels on their rooftops to reduce their dependence on the national grid. In urban areas like Karachi and Lahore, solar panels are now a common sight. The hope for stable and long-term affordable energy drives this growing trend.
Pakistanis are taking responsibility for solar energy generation. Photo: Jamshaid Anwar / Pexels
Solar Energy Becomes Affordable in Pakistan
What fuels the solar boom is the decreasing cost of solar technology. Particularly, China’s overproduction of solar panels has led to significantly reduced costs. For many Pakistani families who previously had no choice but to endure high electricity bills, investing in solar installations has become feasible.
A basic system, consisting of solar panels and a battery, is often sufficient to supply a household with essential power. Lights, fans, and small appliances can operate independently of the public grid. The rapid spread of this technology has also created new economic opportunities: local businesses specializing in the installation and maintenance of solar systems are flourishing. In rural areas, the market for solar technology is generating numerous new jobs.
Solar Power generated energy has drastically increased in recent years in Pakistan. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Solar Energy for Agriculture in Pakistan
In Pakistan’s rural areas, solar energy has proven crucial for agriculture. Solar panels power water pumps needed for irrigating fields. In a country frequently plagued by droughts, this means not only higher yields but also greater security for farmers. Without solar power, many would still rely on expensive and environmentally harmful diesel generators for irrigation.
The long-term benefits are clear: In addition to reducing energy costs, the environmental footprint improves. Especially in an era when the climate crisis makes weather patterns increasingly unpredictable, solar energy offers a sustainable alternative.
The Downsides of Pakistan’s Solar Energy Boom
Despite all the progress, there are significant challenges. The rapid adoption of private solar installations is creating problems for the national power grid. It was never designed to handle decentralized energy production. As many households now generate their own electricity, demand for grid power is decreasing, pushing state-run utilities into financial distress. Simultaneously, the outdated grid cannot absorb surplus electricity produced by solar systems.
Another issue is the unregulated market. With the solar technology boom, many vendors have entered the market, not all offering high-quality products. Cheap solar panels and batteries often lose efficiency quickly, posing financial risks to users. Without clear standards or regulations, consumers are often stuck with substandard systems, which could harm trust in the technology over time.
What Is the Pakistani Government Doing for Solar Energy?
The Pakistani government has acknowledged that solar energy is a key to the country’s future. Initial initiatives aim to promote the expansion of renewable energy. The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Punjab, one of the largest in the world, exemplifies government support for large-scale projects. The government has also set a goal: By 2030, 30% of Pakistan’s energy should come from renewable sources.
However, these measures are insufficient to address current challenges. Critical investments in modernizing the power grid remain absent. Subsidies or low-interest loans to help low-income households access solar technology exist only sporadically. The government urgently needs to take action to establish the infrastructure necessary to sustain the solar boom.
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62% Fewer Deaths: Why the Latest Findings on the HPV Vaccine Are Cause for Relief

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80% of people will become infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. While often harmless, it can, in some cases, lead to serious illnesses such as cervical cancer. However, a new study from the United States offers hope: Deaths from cervical cancer have decreased by as much as 62%—thanks to the vaccine.
HPV is a virus that often causes no symptoms but can, in severe cases, progress to cervical cancer. The fight against the disease began in 2006/2007 with the introduction of the first vaccines, which were less effective than today’s versions. Current vaccines protect against 90% of known HPV variants. They are most effective when administered before the first sexual contact—the earlier, the better. However, even for those vaccinated at the age of 25, the risk of an HPV infection is still reduced by 50%. A recent U.S. study revealed that since the vaccine’s introduction, cervical cancer deaths have significantly declined.
62% Fewer Deaths: HPV Vaccine Saves Lives According to New Study
The Medical University of South Carolina has discovered that cervical cancer mortality decreased by 62% over the last 19 years. Between 1992 and 1994, 55 out of every 100,000 people died from the disease. This number dropped to 35 per 100,000 between 2013 and 2015, and further declined to just 13 per 100,000 between 2019 and 2021. This remarkable decline is attributed to improved vaccines, higher vaccination rates, and the vaccine’s long-term effects. These findings suggest that women are now largely protected against cervical cancer.
More Countries Are Providing HPV Vaccination Each Year
Are you not vaccinated yet? There’s good news: Every year, more countries are including HPV vaccination in their national vaccination schedules. Some even offer it for free. The vaccine requires two to three doses to ensure full protection. Studies like the recent one from the U.S. demonstrate its effectiveness: With an 80% vaccination rate, achieving “herd immunity” is possible. If enough people are vaccinated, the virus could eventually be eradicated.

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Seawater Desalination in Agadir: A Beacon of Hope for Morocco’s Water Crisis

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Amidst global water scarcity and the challenges posed by climate change, Morocco is turning to innovative solutions to secure water supplies for its population. A prominent example is the coastal city of Agadir, which is breaking new ground with one of the world’s most advanced seawater desalination plants. While the high energy demands of desalination are being met sustainably through renewable energy, a key question remains: Can seawater desalination be the answer to the global water crisis?
What is Seawater Desalination and Why is It Necessary?
Every child has wondered at some point why sailors can suffer from thirst while surrounded by water. The answer lies in the fact that not all water is drinkable: freshwater is essential for human survival, while drinking seawater, with its high salt content, dehydrates and harms the body. In a world where only about 3% of global water resources are freshwater—and much of that is locked in glaciers, groundwater, or hard-to-reach sources—ensuring an adequate freshwater supply is becoming increasingly challenging.
Seawater desalination offers a technical solution to convert saline water—primarily from the oceans—into potable freshwater. This process is particularly vital in regions with water scarcity or arid climates. According to a report by the International Desalination Association (IDA), the global capacity for seawater desalination has rapidly increased over the past few decades, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia leading the way.
The amount of desalination plants and their capacities are constantly on the rise. Source: University of Leeds
As the global population continues to grow and climate change further stresses natural freshwater resources, desalination is becoming increasingly important. It serves not only as an emergency measure in water-scarce regions, but also as a strategy to secure future water supplies. However, the process is energy-intensive and poses environmental challenges, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions.
Agadir: From Fishing Village to Pioneer in Seawater Desalination
Agadir, once a tranquil fishing village on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, has transformed into a major economic hub in recent decades. However, like many parts of Morocco, the city faces significant water challenges. Periods of drought, increasing water demand driven by agriculture and tourism, and the effects of climate change have pushed traditional water resources to their limits.
The Seawater Desalination Plant in Agadir: A Technological Marvel
Photo: James Grellier, Reverse osmosis desalination plant, CC BY-SA 3.0
To address these challenges, Agadir has built a state-of-the-art seawater desalination plant. This facility uses reverse osmosis, a process in which seawater is forced under high pressure through specialized membranes that remove salt, producing potable water. With a daily production capacity of 275,000 cubic meters of water—split into 150,000 cubic meters for drinking water and 125,000 cubic meters for irrigation—it ranks among the largest of its kind globally. The plant’s capacity can be expanded to 400,000 cubic meters per day if needed.
The project was realized through a public-private partnership between Morocco’s National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests. In 2019, it was recognized by the IDA as the “Best Public-Private Partnership.”
Utilizing Renewable Energy: A Focus on Sustainability
A distinctive feature of the Agadir plant is the sole operation with renewable energy. Thanks to the intense sunlight and strong winds along Morocco’s coast, the facility is entirely powered by solar and wind energy. This not only reduces operational costs, but also significantly minimizes the plant’s environmental footprint, making it a model for sustainable water production.
Positive Impact of Seawater Desalination for the Region
The desalination plant in Agadir has already brought significant and sustainable change to the region. It has secured a reliable drinking water supply for over half a million people, providing a consistent source of clean water independent of climatic or seasonal fluctuations. Beyond residential needs, the agricultural lands in the Chtouka Plain surrounding Agadir also benefit. The daily supply of treated water for irrigation has boosted productivity and strengthened the economic foundation of local agriculture.
The construction and operation of the plant have also created numerous jobs, contributing to the regional economy. Moreover, the plant has significantly improved the quality of life for residents. With stable access to drinking water and a fortified agricultural base, the plant not only ensures supply but also enhances resilience against the challenges posed by climate change.
Not All That Glitters is Gold: Challenges of Seawater Desalination
Despite its advantages, seawater desalination faces some challenges. One major criticism is the high energy demand of desalination plants. The process consumes large amounts of electricity, making it expensive and potentially harmful to the environment when fossil fuels are used. Although modern plants like the one in Agadir increasingly rely on renewable energy, such projects remain the exception. The majority of desalination plants worldwide still depend on conventional energy sources. While reverse osmosis is more energy-efficient than older technologies, it still requires considerable power to operate.
Another issue is brine, a highly concentrated byproduct of desalination. Many plants discharge this brine back into the ocean, where it can harm local ecosystems. The increased salinity and chemicals used during water pretreatment can damage marine habitats and threaten biodiversity. Solutions for the safe disposal or reuse of brine are under development. However, they are currently only available on a limited scale.
Is Desalination a Model for Other Regions?
The successful implementation of Agadir’s desalination plant serves as a model for other water-scarce regions worldwide. The integration of desalination technology with renewable energy could be particularly applicable in coastal areas with similar climatic conditions. Morocco is already planning to expand its network of desalination plants to combat water scarcity nationwide.
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Billionaire Tax Proposal: Leading Nations Write History to End Hunger and Defy Injustice

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For the first time, the world’s richest countries are taking steps to tax billionaires globally. Economist Gabriel Zucman has introduced a simple yet powerful idea: a 2% tax on billionaire wealth. This tax could raise $250 billion every year. To put it simply, just $23 billion of that money could end hunger worldwide. The G20 nations have now agreed to work together on this historic plan. It marks a major step toward creating a fairer global tax system.
Imagine a world without hunger. According to Oxfam, $23 billion (USD) a year would be enough to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. That’s less than 10% of what a global billionaire tax could raise annually.
But the potential goes far beyond feeding the hungry. The extra funds could transform education systems, build hospitals in underserved areas, and fund vital research on climate change. Some of the money could also support startups tackling social and environmental challenges.
How a Small Tax Could Change the World
The plan is straightforward. Around 3,000 billionaires worldwide would pay a minimum of 2% of their wealth in taxes each year. Those who already pay equivalent income taxes would not be affected.
Right now, billionaires often pay just 0.5% of their wealth in taxes. Under this new proposal, their contributions would finally reflect their immense resources. Experts estimate that this change could raise $250 billion annually.
To put it into perspective: Jeff Bezos, with a net worth of over $205 billion, and Mark Zuckerberg, worth $167 billion, would both contribute substantial amounts.
From Decades of Talks to Real Progress
After more than 10 years of discussions, G20 nations have finally begun to act. Last year, they reached a historic agreement on global corporate taxes. Now, they are turning their attention to taxing the world’s wealthiest individuals.
In June 2024, Zucman presented his plan to the G20 under Brazil’s leadership. His report (“A blueprint for a coordinated minimum effective taxation standard for ultra-high-net-worth individuals“) outlined how the tax could work on a global scale, ensuring fairness and effectiveness.
G20 Leaders Commit to Change
Countries like France, Spain, Colombia, and members of the African Union have expressed strong support for the plan. At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, finance ministers pledged to collaborate on taxing billionaires more effectively.
Brazil, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has made tackling inequality a top priority. This agreement is an important first step toward making the billionaire tax a reality.
Is the World Ready for a Billionaire Tax?
Many experts and activists see this as a turning point. NGOs have also welcomed this step by the G20. Martin Kaiser, Executive Director of Greenpeace Germany, stated:

“The G20 are not letting the world’s billionaires off the hook for their responsibility in climate destruction. The development of a billionaire tax will continue. That alone is good news for greater fairness. It cannot be that the excessive lifestyles of just a few thousand billionaires around the world are massively fueling the climate crisis, which threatens us all.”

However, not all countries are on board. Major economies like the U.S., India, and China have reservations. For now, each nation decides how to tax its billionaires.
Meanwhile, the UN has approved a new global tax agreement aimed at preventing tax evasion by the world’s ultra-rich. Advocacy groups have called this move the most significant tax policy shift in decades.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Jasmin Mahmoud as the original source/author and set a link to this article on TheBetter.news. https://thebetter.news/portugal-drug-policy/ The rights to the content remain with the original publisher. Läs mer…

Saving Lives, Changing Minds: How Portugal is Winning the War on Drugs

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Portugal has taken a bold step in its way out of the drug crisis, addressing drug use by choosing to focus on health and support instead of punishment—and the results are remarkable. Since decriminalizing drug possession in 2001, drug-related deaths have dropped sharply, HIV infections have declined, and more people are accessing support services. Portugal’s approach is inspiring a global conversation about rethinking the war on drugs, shifting focus to prioritize public health over criminalization.
A New Approach: Help Instead of Punishment
Portugal’s drug policy shifts the focus from punishment to rehabilitation. Being caught with small amounts of drugs for personal use no longer leads to arrest or imprisonment. Instead, individuals are referred to “Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction.” These teams—composed of psychologists, social workers, and legal experts—assess the individual’s situation.
Their aim is to understand why the person uses drugs and what kind of support they need, whether that’s counseling, treatment, or social services. This innovative approach treats drug use as a health issue rather than a crime, breaking down barriers that often prevent people from seeking help.
Real Results: Fewer Deaths, Better Health
The impact of this shift has been profound. Drug-related deaths in Portugal are now among the lowest in Europe. Before decriminalization, the country faced a public health crisis, with hundreds of deaths and rising HIV rates among drug users.
Today, these numbers have dropped significantly. Portugal’s harm reduction programs, such as the distribution of clean needles and access to voluntary therapy, have played a key role in these improvements. These services reduce the risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis while encouraging people to seek help without fear of legal consequences.
Portugal’s way out of the drug crisis: Building Trust and Preventing Harm
Another critical component of Portugal’s strategy is the establishment of drug consumption rooms. These spaces allow individuals to use drugs under medical supervision, preventing overdoses and ensuring immediate medical assistance when needed. They also provide clean equipment to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and serve as entry points for people to connect with healthcare services. For many, these safe spaces are the first step toward recovery.
Problematic Drug Use and Social Factors
One of the most striking outcomes of Portugal’s policy is the decline in “problematic” drug use—defined as frequent and high-risk use. This has decreased significantly, particularly among young people. Experts attribute this to a combination of decriminalization, education, and accessible support services that are designed to tackle not just the symptoms of drug use but also the root causes.
Portugal’s strategy goes further by addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to addiction. Programs focus on reintegrating individuals into society, offering job training, housing assistance, and social support. By addressing these root causes of addiction, Portugal aims to break the cycle of addiction and improve overall well-being.
A Model for the World?
Portugal’s success is an example of how compassionate, health-focused policies can address drug issues more effectively than punishment. The combination of decriminalization, harm reduction services, and efforts to tackle underlying social issues provides a comprehensive model for sustainable change.
This approach has inspired discussions in countries worldwide. For instance, nations like Canada and Switzerland have implemented similar harm reduction measures, although on a smaller scale. Yet many countries remain hesitant, clinging to punitive measures despite mounting evidence that they are less effective.
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Unbreakable: Duralex Glass Heritage Saved by Its Workforce

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They complement every French bistro like a petit café after a meal: Glasses from Duralex have cult status in France and are very popular internationally. Nevertheless, after several difficult years, the French glass manufacturer was on the verge of collapse. High energy prices and declining sales pushed the company to the brink of insolvency. After multiple takeovers and bankruptcy proceedings, the workforce took charge of Duralex by founding a cooperative, preserving all jobs—and securing the company’s future.
Hailed by the New York Times as one of the best drinking glasses in the world, Duralex products are enjoying great popularity worldwide. Indiana Jones used them to drink his whiskey and James Bond managed to catch a scorpion with a Duralex glass after emptying it.
But the story of these iconic tumblers with the round belly begins much earlier in the heart of France. In 1945, Duralex was founded in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, a suburb of Orléans. Since then, glasses have been manufactured here using a special, patented process and sold all over the world.
Iconic Glasses Made in France
Few drinking glasses can claim to be as sturdy and iconic as this one. In France, there is hardly any person who has not drunk out of a Duralex glass at some point. Even in school, children learn about the properties of these glasses, which can be dropped and yet will not break. For many, Duralex glasses are not only functional, but also part of their collective memory. The number in the glass bottom, an indication of the production mold, became a game for generations of schoolchildren: whoever had the highest number had to fetch the water for the others.
Long-Standing Company Under Pressure
However, the resilience of its glasses cannot be deduced from the economic resilience of the company. Duralex is not the only long-standing company that has come under economic pressure in recent years. Increasing competition from low-wage countries and high energy costs made domestic manufacturing more and more difficult. In particular, the energy-intensive process of glass tempering, in which the glass is first heated to a high temperature and then cooled rapidly, became increasingly expensive. The company was only incurring losses.
Ultimately, the pandemic dealt Duralex the final blow. Insolvency seemed inevitable. After several changes of direction and insolvency proceedings, the company even suspended production for a short time.
Two companies submitted takeover offers. Both included plans for massive job cuts. The case was taken to court in Orléans.
Duralex Employees Set Up a Cooperative and Secure All Jobs
After tough negotiations, the court in Orleans ruled in July 2024 to accept the employees’ plan to found a cooperative. The workforce saved all jobs by uniting more than half of its members to take control over the future of the iconic glasses and invest in their own company. In a statement, the newly founded cooperative said:
‘We are taking our destiny into our own hands and are determined to advance our company, an icon of French industry, in an ambitious transformation project.’
There was support from politicians and authorities. The cooperative received around €10 million to purchase the production site and preserve jobs in the factory and at suppliers.
But more power brings greater responsibility. The employees are now involved in all decisions in a board of directors. They elected the former plant manager, François Marciano, as director. He is supposed to help them get the company back on track. The first step is to convince the rest of the workforce and then the whole world of the new business model.
Raising a Glass to Duralex’s Cooperative Future
The aim is to reduce the high production costs by investing in renewable energies and to make Duralex profitable again by developing new products. To do this, the company needs to modernise its machinery and structures. It wants to build up rather than down. Duralex plans to set up more departments to make sales and marketing more professional.
The renewed attention Duralex is receiving has already boosted demand for its iconic glasses. The cooperative aims to restore profitability within the next five years.
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“No One Pays Less Tax Than Billionaires” – Renowned Economist Zucman Calls for a Global Wealth Tax

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The richest people pay the least taxes. What sounds like a story from the Middle Ages is a reality in 2024. We spoke with renowned economist Gabriel Zucman about why this is a problem and what we can do about it. His solution: a global wealth tax.
Interviewer: Can you explain the impact of tax evasion by multinationals and the super-rich on broader society?
Gabriel Zucman: The main impact is that it increases inequality. When the richest people avoid taxes, the rest of the population has to pay more. This allows the super-rich to accumulate even more wealth, which makes inequality worse. That’s why it’s so important to fight tax evasion.
Corporations and the super-rich use tax havens like the Cayman Islands to hide their money from tax authorities (source: unsplash)
Interviewer: If we could reduce tax evasion, what benefits would there be for the average citizen?
Gabriel Zucman: Firstly, if the richest people and multinational companies paid their fair share of taxes, the rest of us could see lower taxes on income and consumption, like VAT. Secondly, more tax revenue could go to essential public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These are key drivers of economic growth. Overall, this would boost prosperity for everyone.
Interviewer: What specific actions can Austria and the EU take to combat tax evasion by the super-rich and multinational firms?
Gabriel Zucman: There’s a common belief that individual countries can’t effectively address tax evasion, and that these issues can only be solved globally. This is not true. Any country can take action, like imposing a minimum tax on multinational firms. While there’s a global minimum tax of 15%, Austria could increase it to 20% or 25%. Läs mer…