http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Mon, 20 May 2013 21:14:30 +0200 Mon, 20 May 2013 21:14:30 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif 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/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/german-labor-minister-ursula-von-der-leyen-stands-up-to-merkel-a-895940.html#ref=rss German Labor Minister Ursula von der Leyen has angered Germany's conservatives by openly challenging Chancellor Angela Merkel's authority with her fight for a gender quota. Yet with her bold, risk-taking approach to politics, she also offers an alternative to the chancellor's hesitant style. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-labor-minister-ursula-von-der-leyen-stands-up-to-merkel-a-895940.html German Labor Minister Ursula von der Leyen has angered Germany's conservatives by openly challenging Chancellor Angela Merkel's authority with her fight for a gender quota. Yet with her bold, risk-taking approach to politics, she also offers an alternative to the chancellor's hesitant style.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/community-leader-calls-for-muslim-holidays-a-891610.html#ref=rss Germany is home to some 4 million Muslims. With the long Easter weekend around the corner, a leading member of the country's Muslim community has called for legal recognition of two Muslim holidays, drawing criticism from among Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling conservatives. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:50:41 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/community-leader-calls-for-muslim-holidays-a-891610.html Germany is home to some 4 million Muslims. With the long Easter weekend around the corner, a leading member of the country's Muslim community has called for legal recognition of two Muslim holidays, drawing criticism from among Chancellor Angela Merkel's ruling conservatives.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-conservatives-consider-supporting-tax-benefits-for-gay-couples-a-888016.html#ref=rss Chancellor Merkel's conservatives officially oppose giving same-sex civil unions the same status as heterosexual marriages -- despite polls that show the majority of their voters would support such a measure. Now some of her allies are toying with the idea of siding with the opposition on the issue. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:53:28 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-conservatives-consider-supporting-tax-benefits-for-gay-couples-a-888016.html Chancellor Merkel's conservatives officially oppose giving same-sex civil unions the same status as heterosexual marriages -- despite polls that show the majority of their voters would support such a measure. Now some of her allies are toying with the idea of siding with the opposition on the issue.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-walks-a-fine-line-on-gay-marriage-a-887015.html#ref=rss Last week, it looked as though Angela Merkel's conservatives were prepared to reverse course on extending more rights to same-sex couples. But now the German chancellor has confirmed her party's opposition. As another high-court ruling approaches, however, it won't last. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:43:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-walks-a-fine-line-on-gay-marriage-a-887015.html Last week, it looked as though Angela Merkel's conservatives were prepared to reverse course on extending more rights to same-sex couples. But now the German chancellor has confirmed her party's opposition. As another high-court ruling approaches, however, it won't last. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-gay-marriage-debate-splits-conservatives-a-885425.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats are rapidly changing their approach on same-sex marriage rights and are considering extending marital tax benefits. But some German conservatives remain opposed. Commentators on Monday say the debate could hurt the party in fall elections. Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:14:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-press-review-gay-marriage-debate-splits-conservatives-a-885425.html Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats are rapidly changing their approach on same-sex marriage rights and are considering extending marital tax benefits. But some German conservatives remain opposed. Commentators on Monday say the debate could hurt the party in fall elections.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/dual-citizenship-question-becomes-german-campaign-issue-a-884525.html#ref=rss Hardly a campaign season goes by in Germany without at least one bout of hand-wringing over the twin issues of immigration and integration. And this year, as comments on Monday and Tuesday have shown, is shaping up to be no different. Suddenly everyone is talking about the country's tortured approach to dual-citizenship -- and whether that approach should be changed to allow people to hold two passports. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:34:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/dual-citizenship-question-becomes-german-campaign-issue-a-884525.html Hardly a campaign season goes by in Germany without at least one bout of hand-wringing over the twin issues of immigration and integration. And this year, as comments on Monday and Tuesday have shown, is shaping up to be no different. Suddenly everyone is talking about the country's tortured approach to dual-citizenship -- and whether that approach should be changed to allow people to hold two passports. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-distances-herself-from-fdp-after-key-state-election-loss-a-880811.html#ref=rss Following her party's failure in a major state election, Chancellor Angela Merkel is distancing herself from her junior coalition partner, the business-friendly Free Democrats. It is a risky move, and could indicate that she is aiming at a partnership with the opposition Social Democrats. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:05:21 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-distances-herself-from-fdp-after-key-state-election-loss-a-880811.html Following her party's failure in a major state election, Chancellor Angela Merkel is distancing herself from her junior coalition partner, the business-friendly Free Democrats. It is a risky move, and could indicate that she is aiming at a partnership with the opposition Social Democrats. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lower-saxony-vote-hands-spd-candidate-steinbrueck-a-second-chance-a-878877.html#ref=rss Political pundits had begun writing off Peer Steinbrück, the Social Democrat nominee to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in general elections this September. But the SPD's victory in Lower Saxony has given the gaffe-prone politician a reprieve. The result shows Merkel is vulnerable despite her popularity. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 08:20:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lower-saxony-vote-hands-spd-candidate-steinbrueck-a-second-chance-a-878877.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-and-green-victory-in-lower-saxony-foretells-tough-fight-for-chancellery-a-878740.html#ref=rss Things couldn't be going worse for Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats. The slim center-left victory in Lower Saxony bodes poorly for the conservative coalition in federal elections this autumn. Now the fight for the Chancellery will get more brutal than the incumbent German leader had imagined. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:46:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-and-green-victory-in-lower-saxony-foretells-tough-fight-for-chancellery-a-878740.html Things couldn't be going worse for Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats. The slim center-left victory in Lower Saxony bodes poorly for the conservative coalition in federal elections this autumn. Now the fight for the Chancellery will get more brutal than the incumbent German leader had imagined.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-s-reelection-bid-suffers-setback-in-lower-saxony-election-a-878719.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a setback in Sunday's state election in Lower Saxony, where her center-right alliance was ousted by the center-left opposition. The defeat comes just eight months before the general election and indicates that her bid for a third term could be tighter than expected. Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:52:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-s-reelection-bid-suffers-setback-in-lower-saxony-election-a-878719.html Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a setback in Sunday's state election in Lower Saxony, where her center-right alliance was ousted by the center-left opposition. The defeat comes just eight months before the general election and indicates that her bid for a third term could be tighter than expected. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lower-saxony-state-election-too-close-to-call-after-polls-close-a-878652.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Social Democrat challenger in the September election, Peer Steinbrück, both wanted a boost from Sunday's state vote in Lower Saxony. But it was so close that neither got what they were hoping for. If anything, the result shows that despite Merkel's popularity, her bid for a third term could be a very tight race. Sun, 20 Jan 2013 20:15:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lower-saxony-state-election-too-close-to-call-after-polls-close-a-878652.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lower-saxony-governor-david-mcallister-faces-difficult-state-election-a-876644.html#ref=rss With Braveheart-style bagpipe music, David McAllister, the half-Scottish governor of Lower Saxony, is fighting to stay in office in an election later this month. A loss wouldn't bode well for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who could suffer the same fate in the September. Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:27:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/lower-saxony-governor-david-mcallister-faces-difficult-state-election-a-876644.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/five-problems-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-must-solve-in-2013-a-875575.html#ref=rss She's as popular as ever, but will that be enough to get re-elected for a third term this year? Angela Merkel and her cabinet appear fairly confident about their prospects, but the German chancellor still has some glaring weaknesses. SPIEGEL ONLINE outlines five problems she needs to solve in 2013. Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/five-problems-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-must-solve-in-2013-a-875575.html She's as popular as ever, but will that be enough to get re-elected for a third term this year? Angela Merkel and her cabinet appear fairly confident about their prospects, but the German chancellor still has some glaring weaknesses. SPIEGEL ONLINE outlines five problems she needs to solve in 2013. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-commentators-see-merkel-in-strong-position-in-election-year-a-871146.html#ref=rss Angela Merkel was overwhelmingly re-elected as her party's leader on Tuesday, providing her strong support as next year's general elections approach. German commentators on Wednesday say the chancellor seems to have transcended party politics -- and that this might not be a good thing. Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:22:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-commentators-see-merkel-in-strong-position-in-election-year-a-871146.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/congress-re-elects-angela-merkel-as-cdu-leader-with-record-result-a-870931.html#ref=rss Germany's Christian Democrats re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel as their party leader with her best-ever result of 97.94 percent on Tuesday in a determined show of unity aimed at boosting her chances of winning a third term in 2013. She's at the peak of her powers and will be very hard to unseat. Tue, 04 Dec 2012 17:48:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/congress-re-elects-angela-merkel-as-cdu-leader-with-record-result-a-870931.html Germany's Christian Democrats re-elected Chancellor Angela Merkel as their party leader with her best-ever result of 97.94 percent on Tuesday in a determined show of unity aimed at boosting her chances of winning a third term in 2013. She's at the peak of her powers and will be very hard to unseat.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/passive-gender-equality-policy-could-backfire-for-angela-merkel-a-868343.html#ref=rss Angela Merkel has been a disappointment to many women conservatives, having failed to push strongly for gender equality during her seven years as chancellor. Now, female members of her Christian Democrats are beginning to openly defy her passive policies. Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:46:43 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/passive-gender-equality-policy-could-backfire-for-angela-merkel-a-868343.html Angela Merkel has been a disappointment to many women conservatives, having failed to push strongly for gender equality during her seven years as chancellor. Now, female members of her Christian Democrats are beginning to openly defy her passive policies. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germans-support-merkel-amid-doubts-about-government-performance-a-868034.html#ref=rss Almost 70 percent of Germans believe that Angela Merkel's government pursues special interests to the detriment of the public good. Sixty-five percent say her government isn't doing enough to address Germany's future problems. Yet the chancellor remains the country's most popular politician, far ahead of her challenger in next year's general elections. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:05:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germans-support-merkel-amid-doubts-about-government-performance-a-868034.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/helmut-kohl-honored-by-angela-merkel-at-celebration-in-berlin-a-858484.html#ref=rss Campaign finance scandal? Bitterness with his former party? None of that mattered on Thursday night as gathered dignitaries celebrated the life's work of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Berlin. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who used Kohl's fall as a stepping stone for her own career, held the keynote address. Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/helmut-kohl-honored-by-angela-merkel-at-celebration-in-berlin-a-858484.html Campaign finance scandal? Bitterness with his former party? None of that mattered on Thursday night as gathered dignitaries celebrated the life's work of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Berlin. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who used Kohl's fall as a stepping stone for her own career, held the keynote address.]]>