http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sat, 18 May 2013 18:10:06 +0200 Sat, 18 May 2013 18:10:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/gesellschaft/georg-diez-ueber-angela-merkel-a-900585.html#ref=rss Anders als die vieldiskutierte neue Merkel-Biografie nahelegt, ist das Problem nicht das Verhalten der heutigen Kanzlerin zu Zeiten der DDR. Das Problem ist ihr Verhalten heute. Sie arbeitet an der Abschaffung des Politischen. Die einzige Sprache, die sie kennt, ist die Sprache der Macht. Fri, 17 May 2013 17:43:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/gesellschaft/georg-diez-ueber-angela-merkel-a-900585.html Anders als die vieldiskutierte neue Merkel-Biografie nahelegt, ist das Problem nicht das Verhalten der heutigen Kanzlerin zu Zeiten der DDR. Das Problem ist ihr Verhalten heute. Sie arbeitet an der Abschaffung des Politischen. Die einzige Sprache, die sie kennt, ist die Sprache der Macht.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-and-france-will-not-create-joint-statement-ahead-of-eu-summit-a-900514.html#ref=rss As a further sign that all is not well in the Franco-German motor of Europe, the two countries will not issue a joint statement ahead of the next EU summit as Berlin had hoped. The development comes as France slips further into economic malaise. Fri, 17 May 2013 13:30:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-and-france-will-not-create-joint-statement-ahead-of-eu-summit-a-900514.html As a further sign that all is not well in the Franco-German motor of Europe, the two countries will not issue a joint statement ahead of the next EU summit as Berlin had hoped. The development comes as France slips further into economic malaise. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/political-conspiracy-theorists-seek-to-label-merkel-as-russian-sleeper-agent-a-900235.html#ref=rss Ever wondered what Angela Merkel had in mind with her decision to phase out nuclear energy? Dependency on Russian energy, if you believe some prominent conspiracy theorists. They'd like you to believe the German chancellor is some kind of KGB "sleeper agent" installed by Moscow at the end of the Cold War. Thu, 16 May 2013 17:53:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/political-conspiracy-theorists-seek-to-label-merkel-as-russian-sleeper-agent-a-900235.html Ever wondered what Angela Merkel had in mind with her decision to phase out nuclear energy? Dependency on Russian energy, if you believe some prominent conspiracy theorists. They'd like you to believe the German chancellor is some kind of KGB "sleeper agent" installed by Moscow at the end of the Cold War. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/how-chancellor-angela-merkel-has-paralyzed-german-politics-a-900330.html#ref=rss During her eight years as chancellor, Angela Merkel has skillfully lulled Germans to sleep and used feel-good policies to switch their focus from politics to personal comfort. By starving Germany's democracy of vibrancy, "Mommy Merkel" has caused it to wither. Thu, 16 May 2013 16:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/how-chancellor-angela-merkel-has-paralyzed-german-politics-a-900330.html During her eight years as chancellor, Angela Merkel has skillfully lulled Germans to sleep and used feel-good policies to switch their focus from politics to personal comfort. By starving Germany's democracy of vibrancy, "Mommy Merkel" has caused it to wither.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-euro-party-alternative-for-germany-a-growing-problem-for-merkel-a-899803.html#ref=rss German Chancellor Angela Merkel wanted to ignore the Alternative for Germany. But with the anti-euro party gaining ground, many among her conservatives say it is time to change strategy. They are concerned that the currency heretics could cost Merkel her re-election. Tue, 14 May 2013 16:18:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-euro-party-alternative-for-germany-a-growing-problem-for-merkel-a-899803.html German Chancellor Angela Merkel wanted to ignore the Alternative for Germany. But with the anti-euro party gaining ground, many among her conservatives say it is time to change strategy. They are concerned that the currency heretics could cost Merkel her re-election.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-book-suggests-angela-merkel-was-closer-to-communism-than-thought-a-899768.html#ref=rss A biography focusing on Chancellor Angela Merkel's time growing up in East Germany is making headlines because it suggests she was closer to the communist system than hitherto known. Her spokesman has denied she has covered anything up. Tue, 14 May 2013 16:04:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-book-suggests-angela-merkel-was-closer-to-communism-than-thought-a-899768.html A biography focusing on Chancellor Angela Merkel's time growing up in East Germany is making headlines because it suggests she was closer to the communist system than hitherto known. Her spokesman has denied she has covered anything up. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/tensions-rise-between-kabul-and-berlin-ahead-of-withdrawal-a-899319.html#ref=rss With the security situation deteriorating in Afghanistan, Chancellor Merkel paid a visit to German troops last week without even informing Afghan President Karzai. The move highlights frosty relations between Berlin and Kabul amid difficult negotiations for the 2014 troop withdrawal.  Tue, 14 May 2013 12:25:05 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/tensions-rise-between-kabul-and-berlin-ahead-of-withdrawal-a-899319.html With the security situation deteriorating in Afghanistan, Chancellor Merkel paid a visit to German troops last week without even informing Afghan President Karzai. The move highlights frosty relations between Berlin and Kabul amid difficult negotiations for the 2014 troop withdrawal. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-employs-strategy-of-token-politics-in-german-election-campaign-a-898835.html#ref=rss German elections are four months away, and Angela Merkel is on a feel-good campaign. Visits to schools, a summit for female leaders and peaks into her private life are all meant to reassure German voters that all is well. But this requires her to put governing on hold -- a strategy that carries a number of risks. Wed, 08 May 2013 18:03:10 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-employs-strategy-of-token-politics-in-german-election-campaign-a-898835.html German elections are four months away, and Angela Merkel is on a feel-good campaign. Visits to schools, a summit for female leaders and peaks into her private life are all meant to reassure German voters that all is well. But this requires her to put governing on hold -- a strategy that carries a number of risks.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/former-minister-france-no-role-model-for-germany-a-897671.html#ref=rss The parliamentary leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's junior coalition partner, the Free Democrats (FDP), and a former German economics minister publicly criticized the French government under Socialist President François Hollande Thursday in a move that highlights the tension between the two countries. Thu, 02 May 2013 12:08:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/former-minister-france-no-role-model-for-germany-a-897671.html The parliamentary leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's junior coalition partner, the Free Democrats (FDP), and a former German economics minister publicly criticized the French government under Socialist President François Hollande Thursday in a move that highlights the tension between the two countries. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-parliament-president-says-french-criticism-of-merkel-is-unfair-a-897321.html#ref=rss European Parliament President Martin Schulz shielded German Chancellor Angela Merkel from French criticism on Monday evening, saying she couldn't be held responsible for all the bloc's economic woes because 26 other leaders are also involved in decision-making. Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:51:20 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-parliament-president-says-french-criticism-of-merkel-is-unfair-a-897321.html European Parliament President Martin Schulz shielded German Chancellor Angela Merkel from French criticism on Monday evening, saying she couldn't be held responsible for all the bloc's economic woes because 26 other leaders are also involved in decision-making. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-dalia-grybauskaite-on-euro-crisis-and-angela-merkel-a-896715.html#ref=rss The Baltic countries have already moved on from their debt crisis, and are exhibiting healthy growth. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite explains that austerity is merely a question of political will -- and why her country wants to join the euro zone despite the crisis. Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:23:32 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-dalia-grybauskaite-on-euro-crisis-and-angela-merkel-a-896715.html The Baltic countries have already moved on from their debt crisis, and are exhibiting healthy growth. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite explains that austerity is merely a question of political will -- and why her country wants to join the euro zone despite the crisis. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/analysis-of-impact-of-uli-hoeness-tax-probe-on-chancellor-angela-merkel-a-895947.html#ref=rss The tax probe of Bayern Munich President Uli Hoeness presents a danger for Chancellor Angela Merkel five months before general elections. The case makes her look weak on fighting tax evasion, a potentially major campaign issue. That explains why she was so quick to denounce the icon of German club soccer. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:30:03 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/analysis-of-impact-of-uli-hoeness-tax-probe-on-chancellor-angela-merkel-a-895947.html The tax probe of Bayern Munich President Uli Hoeness presents a danger for Chancellor Angela Merkel five months before general elections. The case makes her look weak on fighting tax evasion, a potentially major campaign issue. That explains why she was so quick to denounce the icon of German club soccer.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-to-make-first-state-visit-to-berlin-in-june-a-894733.html#ref=rss He's finally coming. SPIEGEL has learned that US President Barack Obama will make an official state visit to Berlin in June -- just one week before the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:30:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/obama-to-make-first-state-visit-to-berlin-in-june-a-894733.html He's finally coming. SPIEGEL has learned that US President Barack Obama will make an official state visit to Berlin in June -- just one week before the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-denies-talk-she-wants-to-quit-in-2015-a-894587.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman has tried to quash speculation that she may step down in 2015 if she wins the September election. "The chancellor is of course standing for the full legislative period," Steffen Seibert told reporters at a government news conference on Monday. Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:32:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-denies-talk-she-wants-to-quit-in-2015-a-894587.html Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman has tried to quash speculation that she may step down in 2015 if she wins the September election. "The chancellor is of course standing for the full legislative period," Steffen Seibert told reporters at a government news conference on Monday. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-relations-with-russia-deteriorate-amid-pressure-from-moscow-a-894386.html#ref=rss Germany has fallen out of favor with the Kremlin, which has ramped up pressure on German institutions in Russia. But while Chancellor Angela Merkel disapproves of President Vladimir Putin's authoritarian presidency, she has no desire to burn bridges with the country. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:19:56 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-relations-with-russia-deteriorate-amid-pressure-from-moscow-a-894386.html Germany has fallen out of favor with the Kremlin, which has ramped up pressure on German institutions in Russia. But while Chancellor Angela Merkel disapproves of President Vladimir Putin's authoritarian presidency, she has no desire to burn bridges with the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-894372.html#ref=rss Will Angela Merkel step down in 2015? A new biography of the German chancellor by Nikolaus Blome, the chief political correspondent of tabloid newspaper , is likely to fan speculation that the chancellor won't serve a full third term even if she does win the general election in September. Bild Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:46:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-894372.html Will Angela Merkel step down in 2015? A new biography of the German chancellor by Nikolaus Blome, the chief political correspondent of tabloid newspaper , is likely to fan speculation that the chancellor won't serve a full third term even if she does win the general election in September. Bild]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/commentary-merkel-deserves-criticism-for-double-standards-in-crisis-a-893825.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel has tenaciously insisted that austerity is the only way out of the crisis for ailing EU countries. She doesn't practice what she preaches in Germany, though, which makes growing anger toward her understandable. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/commentary-merkel-deserves-criticism-for-double-standards-in-crisis-a-893825.html Chancellor Angela Merkel has tenaciously insisted that austerity is the only way out of the crisis for ailing EU countries. She doesn't practice what she preaches in Germany, though, which makes growing anger toward her understandable. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cambridge-scholar-examines-roots-of-anti-german-sentiment-in-europe-a-893439.html#ref=rss Germany's push for austerity during the ongoing euro crisis has prompted Nazi depictions of Chancellor Angela Merkel in many parts of Southern Europe. SPIEGEL speaks with Cambridge University historian Brendan Simms about the "German question" and persistent hatred toward the country. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cambridge-scholar-examines-roots-of-anti-german-sentiment-in-europe-a-893439.html Germany's push for austerity during the ongoing euro crisis has prompted Nazi depictions of Chancellor Angela Merkel in many parts of Southern Europe. SPIEGEL speaks with Cambridge University historian Brendan Simms about the "German question" and persistent hatred toward the country.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/polish-weekly-puts-merkel-in-concentration-camp-over-tv-miniseries-a-893589.html#ref=rss The Polish media is angry over the portrayal of the country's World War II resistance fighters in a popular miniseries that aired recently in Germany. So angry, in fact, that a Polish weekly has put an image of Chancellor Merkel as a concentration camp prisoner on its cover and accused Germany of rewriting history. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:04:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/polish-weekly-puts-merkel-in-concentration-camp-over-tv-miniseries-a-893589.html The Polish media is angry over the portrayal of the country's World War II resistance fighters in a popular miniseries that aired recently in Germany. So angry, in fact, that a Polish weekly has put an image of Chancellor Merkel as a concentration camp prisoner on its cover and accused Germany of rewriting history.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-mayor-about-paparazzi-photos-of-merkel-in-italy-a-892489.html#ref=rss Paparazzi have managed to snap rare shots of Angela Merkel in private as she vacations in Italy with her family, and Germany's chancellor is angry about the intrusion. SPIEGEL ONLINE spoke with the local mayor about the fuss. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-mayor-about-paparazzi-photos-of-merkel-in-italy-a-892489.html Paparazzi have managed to snap rare shots of Angela Merkel in private as she vacations in Italy with her family, and Germany's chancellor is angry about the intrusion. SPIEGEL ONLINE spoke with the local mayor about the fuss. ]]>