http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sun, 19 May 2013 14:51:18 +0200 Sun, 19 May 2013 14:51:18 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-putin-ally-alexei-kudrin-on-democracy-in-russia-a-878873.html#ref=rss Alexei Kudrin is seen as having good chances to succeed Dmitry Medvedev as Russian prime minister. In a SPIEGEL interview, he speaks about the need for more democracy in his country, President Putin's pragmatism and the dangers still facing the euro zone. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:21:16 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-putin-ally-alexei-kudrin-on-democracy-in-russia-a-878873.html Alexei Kudrin is seen as having good chances to succeed Dmitry Medvedev as Russian prime minister. In a SPIEGEL interview, he speaks about the need for more democracy in his country, President Putin's pragmatism and the dangers still facing the euro zone.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-and-russian-relations-are-at-an-impasse-a-835862.html#ref=rss Relations between Germany and Russia appear to be approaching a new ice age. Berlin is more dependent on Moscow than ever before, but Merkel has little trust in newly re-elected President Vladimir Putin. She would like to strengthen the opposition. Wed, 30 May 2012 10:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-and-russian-relations-are-at-an-impasse-a-835862.html Relations between Germany and Russia appear to be approaching a new ice age. Berlin is more dependent on Moscow than ever before, but Merkel has little trust in newly re-elected President Vladimir Putin. She would like to strengthen the opposition.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-returns-to-kremlin-with-iron-grip-a-831784.html#ref=rss Mass arrests of protesters over the weekend signal tough times ahead for Russia. Vladimir Putin's inauguration for his third term as president on Monday heralds the rollback of meager reforms made by his predecessor Dmitry Medvedev. Instead of expanding freedoms in the country, Putin has been vaguely refining his Potemkin democracy. Mon, 07 May 2012 16:18:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-returns-to-kremlin-with-iron-grip-a-831784.html Mass arrests of protesters over the weekend signal tough times ahead for Russia. Vladimir Putin's inauguration for his third term as president on Monday heralds the rollback of meager reforms made by his predecessor Dmitry Medvedev. Instead of expanding freedoms in the country, Putin has been vaguely refining his Potemkin democracy. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/shadow-economy-and-media-control-russians-fed-up-with-putin-s-manipulations-a-818930.html#ref=rss With Russia set to vote on Sunday, SPIEGEL continues to explore the atmosphere in the country in part two of its preelection coverage. Vladimir Putin looks set to win the presidency, but residents are growing increasingly resistant to corruption and media control. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:17:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/shadow-economy-and-media-control-russians-fed-up-with-putin-s-manipulations-a-818930.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/crunch-election-for-putin-a-divided-russia-goes-to-the-polls-a-818579.html#ref=rss Vladimir Putin plans to win a third term as Russian president in Sunday's election. But he has been weakened by the anti-government protests that have broken out in recent months, and many Russians believe he lacks a vision for the country. Is Russia on the brink of radical change? Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/crunch-election-for-putin-a-divided-russia-goes-to-the-polls-a-818579.html Vladimir Putin plans to win a third term as Russian president in Sunday's election. But he has been weakened by the anti-government protests that have broken out in recent months, and many Russians believe he lacks a vision for the country. Is Russia on the brink of radical change? ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/i-putin-an-inside-look-at-russia-s-aging-lonely-leader-a-817138.html#ref=rss The world is used to macho images of Vladimir Putin hunting bears, harpooning whales or fly-fishing. A German documentary filmmaker was recently granted unprecedented access to the Russian prime minister. And he found a lonely, aging and surprisingly likeable man. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/i-putin-an-inside-look-at-russia-s-aging-lonely-leader-a-817138.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-s-unruly-children-a-new-generation-aims-to-revitalize-russia-a-814084.html#ref=rss Russia's young people are growing up with more freedom than ever. Twenty years after the end of communism, the first post-Soviet generation is transforming the country -- whether the once and future president likes it or not. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-s-unruly-children-a-new-generation-aims-to-revitalize-russia-a-814084.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-putin-challenger-prokhorov-in-the-worst-case-there-ll-be-civil-war-a-812309.html#ref=rss Mikhail Prokhorov is one of the wealthiest men in Russia and now he wants to enter the Kremlin, planning to challenge Vladimir Putin in the 2012 presidential election. Speaking to SPIEGEL ONLINE he speaks out against Russia's political class and urges the release of oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:32:09 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-putin-challenger-prokhorov-in-the-worst-case-there-ll-be-civil-war-a-812309.html Mikhail Prokhorov is one of the wealthiest men in Russia and now he wants to enter the Kremlin, planning to challenge Vladimir Putin in the 2012 presidential election. Speaking to SPIEGEL ONLINE he speaks out against Russia's political class and urges the release of oil magnate Mikhail Khodorkovsky. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/oligarch-s-election-bid-tycoon-prokhorov-s-tentative-challenge-to-putin-a-812270.html#ref=rss Some see Russian presidential candidate Mikhail Prokhorov, one of the world's richest men, as a Kremlin puppet, even though he has supporters among the Moscow protesters and oligarchs tired of Vladimir Putin. But he is challenging Putin in the campaign by calling for more privatization and less government. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/oligarch-s-election-bid-tycoon-prokhorov-s-tentative-challenge-to-putin-a-812270.html Some see Russian presidential candidate Mikhail Prokhorov, one of the world's richest men, as a Kremlin puppet, even though he has supporters among the Moscow protesters and oligarchs tired of Vladimir Putin. But he is challenging Putin in the campaign by calling for more privatization and less government. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-web-vs-putin-taking-on-russia-s-old-guard-with-new-technology-a-803164.html#ref=rss The disputed elections in Russia have unleashed a wave of rage and sparked the largest anti-government protests since the end of the Soviet Union, organized via the Internet. The Kremlin seems powerless to stop the online activists as Russians lose their fear. For the first time, Vladimir Putin seems vulnerable. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:35:11 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-web-vs-putin-taking-on-russia-s-old-guard-with-new-technology-a-803164.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-vladimir-putin-s-russia-is-decaying-a-802049.html#ref=rss Russian Prime Minister cum president Vladimir Putin had his wings clipped by the Sunday parliamentary elections, despite apparent efforts to manipulate the vote. He may now be forced to inject more democracy into his rule, but some German commentators say critics should be careful what they wish for. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:35:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-vladimir-putin-s-russia-is-decaying-a-802049.html Russian Prime Minister cum president Vladimir Putin had his wings clipped by the Sunday parliamentary elections, despite apparent efforts to manipulate the vote. He may now be forced to inject more democracy into his rule, but some German commentators say critics should be careful what they wish for.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/missile-defense-spat-a-new-arms-race-looms-between-russia-and-us-a-801961.html#ref=rss The US and Russia intended to "reset" their relations under US President Barack Obama. Instead, however, the two countries continue to squabble over the planned missile shield, which Washington insists is to protect against attack from Iran. The debate shows signs of turning into a new arms race. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:06:32 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/missile-defense-spat-a-new-arms-race-looms-between-russia-and-us-a-801961.html The US and Russia intended to "reset" their relations under US President Barack Obama. Instead, however, the two countries continue to squabble over the planned missile shield, which Washington insists is to protect against attack from Iran. The debate shows signs of turning into a new arms race.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-disappointing-landslide-poor-election-showing-weakens-putin-a-801665.html#ref=rss It may have won by a huge margin, but the results of Sunday's Duma election in Russia are still disappointing for Vladimir Putin's United Russia. The party won just under half of the vote, a massive decline compared to the 2007 election. The result reveals growing discontent with Putin among the Russian population. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:47:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/a-disappointing-landslide-poor-election-showing-weakens-putin-a-801665.html It may have won by a huge margin, but the results of Sunday's Duma election in Russia are still disappointing for Vladimir Putin's United Russia. The party won just under half of the vote, a massive decline compared to the 2007 election. The result reveals growing discontent with Putin among the Russian population.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-election-the-kremlin-s-dangerous-flirtation-with-nationalism-a-800468.html#ref=rss Ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections on Sunday, the pro-Kremlin parties are using nationalist rhetoric in a bid to exploit growing right-wing sentiment in the country. But it's a dangerous game. If the far right gets stronger, it could pose a threat to Vladimir Putin. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:27:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/russian-election-the-kremlin-s-dangerous-flirtation-with-nationalism-a-800468.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-puppet-president-medvedev-s-betrayal-of-russian-democracy-a-789767.html#ref=rss Dmitry Medvedev shocked Russians with his announcement that he was ceding the presidency back to Vladimir Putin. It is now clear that Medvedev was never more than a placeholder for his mentor, and his supposed plans to modernize Russia were little more than empty soundbites. Indeed, Medvedev may have damaged the country even more than Putin has. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:51:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-puppet-president-medvedev-s-betrayal-of-russian-democracy-a-789767.html Dmitry Medvedev shocked Russians with his announcement that he was ceding the presidency back to Vladimir Putin. It is now clear that Medvedev was never more than a placeholder for his mentor, and his supposed plans to modernize Russia were little more than empty soundbites. Indeed, Medvedev may have damaged the country even more than Putin has.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/holy-vladimir-pray-for-us-a-russian-sect-honors-putin-as-a-saint-a-789175.html#ref=rss Mother Fotina once led a "Center for Cosmo-Energetic Medicine," and now she prays to Vladimir Putin. Her sect, in a village east of Moscow, honors Russia's once and future president as a reincarnation of St. Paul. The group represents a rising trend in Russia, but its origins are surprisingly mundane. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:51:18 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/holy-vladimir-pray-for-us-a-russian-sect-honors-putin-as-a-saint-a-789175.html Mother Fotina once led a "Center for Cosmo-Energetic Medicine," and now she prays to Vladimir Putin. Her sect, in a village east of Moscow, honors Russia's once and future president as a reincarnation of St. Paul. The group represents a rising trend in Russia, but its origins are surprisingly mundane.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kremlin-comeback-prince-putin-reigns-supreme-in-putlandia-a-788363.html#ref=rss Welcome to Putlandia, where the president and prime minister swap jobs at will, where the constitution is an empty shell and all power rests with Vladimir Putin. The deal between him and President Dmitry Medvedev is a farce. The proud Russian nation resembles a modern grand duchy. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:41:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/kremlin-comeback-prince-putin-reigns-supreme-in-putlandia-a-788363.html Welcome to Putlandia, where the president and prime minister swap jobs at will, where the constitution is an empty shell and all power rests with Vladimir Putin. The deal between him and President Dmitry Medvedev is a farce. The proud Russian nation resembles a modern grand duchy. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-good-for-putin-bad-for-russia-a-788400.html#ref=rss Few were surprised on Saturday when Russian President Dmitry Medvedev nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin to become his successor as well. Fewer still were impressed. German commentators say the move does not bode well for Russia. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-good-for-putin-bad-for-russia-a-788400.html Few were surprised on Saturday when Russian President Dmitry Medvedev nominated his predecessor Vladimir Putin to become his successor as well. Fewer still were impressed. German commentators say the move does not bode well for Russia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-clings-to-power-kremlin-favors-manipulation-as-election-strategy-a-787414.html#ref=rss The Kremlin-backed United Russia party is getting ready for the final phase of campaigning ahead of December's parliamentary election. But allegations of manipulation are likely to overshadow Friday's party convention. Critics accuse Vladimir Putin of stifling democracy to ensure he and his cronies stay in power. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/putin-clings-to-power-kremlin-favors-manipulation-as-election-strategy-a-787414.html The Kremlin-backed United Russia party is getting ready for the final phase of campaigning ahead of December's parliamentary election. But allegations of manipulation are likely to overshadow Friday's party convention. Critics accuse Vladimir Putin of stifling democracy to ensure he and his cronies stay in power.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-award-for-putin-was-dilettantish-and-politically-insensitive-a-775103.html#ref=rss A week after it emerged that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin would receive a prestigious German prize meant to honor "role models," the sponsoring organization has pulled the plug on this year's entire award ceremony. German commentators agree with critics: Putin has little in common with previous winners. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:37:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-world-from-berlin-award-for-putin-was-dilettantish-and-politically-insensitive-a-775103.html A week after it emerged that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin would receive a prestigious German prize meant to honor "role models," the sponsoring organization has pulled the plug on this year's entire award ceremony. German commentators agree with critics: Putin has little in common with previous winners.]]>