http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 23 May 2013 02:44:24 +0200 Thu, 23 May 2013 02:44:24 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif 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/europe/german-press-says-extended-eu-recession-shows-austerity-ineffective-a-900252.html#ref=rss The European common currency zone has now been in recession for six straight quarters, with three of the bloc's four largest economies now suffering persistent negative growth. Could the Continent's pursuit of austerity be backfiring? German commentators believe the answer is yes. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:34:27 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-says-extended-eu-recession-shows-austerity-ineffective-a-900252.html The European common currency zone has now been in recession for six straight quarters, with three of the bloc's four largest economies now suffering persistent negative growth. Could the Continent's pursuit of austerity be backfiring? German commentators believe the answer is yes.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bundesbank-head-weidmann-criticizes-french-deficit-reduction-plans-a-898924.html#ref=rss German central bank head Jens Weidmann has strongly criticized French efforts to reduce its budget deficit, just days after the European Union granted Paris more time to meet EU requirements. He warns that French delays could damage the credibility of euro-zone rules. Thu, 09 May 2013 12:10:49 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bundesbank-head-weidmann-criticizes-french-deficit-reduction-plans-a-898924.html German central bank head Jens Weidmann has strongly criticized French efforts to reduce its budget deficit, just days after the European Union granted Paris more time to meet EU requirements. He warns that French delays could damage the credibility of euro-zone rules.]]> 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/tensions-grow-between-germany-and-france-over-austerity-a-897318.html#ref=rss Progress in the European Union is stalled at the moment because France and Germany can't get along. Paris is hoping for a change of government in Berlin after elections this fall, but even that would do little to bridge growing differences between the countries. Wed, 01 May 2013 16:56:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/tensions-grow-between-germany-and-france-over-austerity-a-897318.html Progress in the European Union is stalled at the moment because France and Germany can't get along. Paris is hoping for a change of government in Berlin after elections this fall, but even that would do little to bridge growing differences between the countries. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sarkozy-speech-in-montreal-criticizes-hollande-policies-a-897165.html#ref=rss While French President François Hollande deals with dismal jobless figures and turmoil surrounding the recent legalization of gay marriage, his upbeat predecessor goes on the thinly veiled offensive in Montreal. "When I look at those who succeeded me," Nicolas Sarkozy says, "I feel very good." Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:43:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sarkozy-speech-in-montreal-criticizes-hollande-policies-a-897165.html While French President François Hollande deals with dismal jobless figures and turmoil surrounding the recent legalization of gay marriage, his upbeat predecessor goes on the thinly veiled offensive in Montreal. "When I look at those who succeeded me," Nicolas Sarkozy says, "I feel very good." ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-french-vote-to-approve-same-sex-marriage-a-896287.html#ref=rss The French parliament's Tuesday decision to approve a same-sex marriage bill sparked violent protests in Paris. In Germany, too, the split opinions on the editorial pages mirror the left-right schism that has left French society divided. Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:31:40 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-french-vote-to-approve-same-sex-marriage-a-896287.html The French parliament's Tuesday decision to approve a same-sex marriage bill sparked violent protests in Paris. In Germany, too, the split opinions on the editorial pages mirror the left-right schism that has left French society divided. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-attacks-spike-in-france-as-marriage-vote-nears-a-896012.html#ref=rss The French parliament is expected to vote to approve same-sex marriages on Tuesday. The debate over the legislation has divided the country, with an increase in aggressive homophobic sentiment. On Monday, the leader of parliament received a threatening letter filled with gunpowder. Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:29:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-attacks-spike-in-france-as-marriage-vote-nears-a-896012.html The French parliament is expected to vote to approve same-sex marriages on Tuesday. The debate over the legislation has divided the country, with an increase in aggressive homophobic sentiment. On Monday, the leader of parliament received a threatening letter filled with gunpowder. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-court-acquits-mother-on-charges-of-glorifying-terrorism-a-893778.html#ref=rss A French court has dropped charges against a mother accused of glorifying terrorism by sending her 3-year-old son to kindergarten wearing a 9/11-themed T-shirt. The decision has infuriated officials. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:03:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-court-acquits-mother-on-charges-of-glorifying-terrorism-a-893778.html A French court has dropped charges against a mother accused of glorifying terrorism by sending her 3-year-old son to kindergarten wearing a 9/11-themed T-shirt. The decision has infuriated officials.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-senate-passes-same-sex-marriage-law-a-893532.html#ref=rss Following months of protests both for and against the measure, the French Senate on Tuesday night passed an important provision in a package of laws that would legalize same-sex marriage in the country. The vote is a political win for embattled President Hollande. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-senate-passes-same-sex-marriage-law-a-893532.html Following months of protests both for and against the measure, the French Senate on Tuesday night passed an important provision in a package of laws that would legalize same-sex marriage in the country. The vote is a political win for embattled President Hollande.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-francois-hollande-seeks-legitimacy-amid-tax-scandal-a-893293.html#ref=rss French President François Hollande is doing some moral spring cleaning. His recent demands that government ministers make public all their financial assets are part of an effort to rebuild the reputation of the political caste -- and to legitimize his government so he can finally start governing again. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:38:59 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-francois-hollande-seeks-legitimacy-amid-tax-scandal-a-893293.html French President François Hollande is doing some moral spring cleaning. His recent demands that government ministers make public all their financial assets are part of an effort to rebuild the reputation of the political caste -- and to legitimize his government so he can finally start governing again.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corruption-scandal-puts-hollande-and-france-on-their-heels-a-892965.html#ref=rss France had hoped that President François Hollande could lead the country out of the swamp of scandal left behind by his precedessor Sarkozy. But accusations against his campaign manager combined with the offshore account held by Budget Minister Jérôme Cahuzac have destroyed that dream and triggered a crisis of democracy. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:09:41 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/corruption-scandal-puts-hollande-and-france-on-their-heels-a-892965.html France had hoped that President François Hollande could lead the country out of the swamp of scandal left behind by his precedessor Sarkozy. But accusations against his campaign manager combined with the offshore account held by Budget Minister Jérôme Cahuzac have destroyed that dream and triggered a crisis of democracy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cahuzac-tax-evasion-scandal-threatens-french-government-a-892547.html#ref=rss Former Budget Minister Jerome Cahuzac shocked France this week by admitting to tax evasion. The scandal represents a potential disaster for the struggling Socialist government and could increase pressure from the public and the political opposition against President François Hollande. Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:01:54 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/cahuzac-tax-evasion-scandal-threatens-french-government-a-892547.html Former Budget Minister Jerome Cahuzac shocked France this week by admitting to tax evasion. The scandal represents a potential disaster for the struggling Socialist government and could increase pressure from the public and the political opposition against President François Hollande.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/carla-bruni-releases-first-album-after-serving-as-french-first-lady-a-891449.html#ref=rss For four years, Carla Bruni, the wife of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, represented France as first lady. Many French people viewed the former model and singer suspiciously. With a new album released this week she is seeking to regain her stature as an artist. Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:03:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/carla-bruni-releases-first-album-after-serving-as-french-first-lady-a-891449.html For four years, Carla Bruni, the wife of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, represented France as first lady. Many French people viewed the former model and singer suspiciously. With a new album released this week she is seeking to regain her stature as an artist. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-hollande-failing-to-control-unemployment-crisis-a-891182.html#ref=rss France has long had a chronic problem with unemployment, but the current jobless rate is especially dismal. The government has introduced several employment programs, but they're not taking effect quickly enough to convince the country things will get better. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:52:07 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-president-hollande-failing-to-control-unemployment-crisis-a-891182.html France has long had a chronic problem with unemployment, but the current jobless rate is especially dismal. The government has introduced several employment programs, but they're not taking effect quickly enough to convince the country things will get better.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-magazine-editor-satisfied-with-sarkozy-campaign-investigation-a-890751.html#ref=rss Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is under investigation for exploiting the country's richest woman to raise campaign funds. Edwy Plenel, founder of <i>Mediapart</i>, the online news magazine that broke the scandal, tells SPIEGEL that there could be more such cases to come. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:08:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-magazine-editor-satisfied-with-sarkozy-campaign-investigation-a-890751.html Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is under investigation for exploiting the country's richest woman to raise campaign funds. Edwy Plenel, founder of Mediapart, the online news magazine that broke the scandal, tells SPIEGEL that there could be more such cases to come.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-marriage-activists-clash-with-paris-police-a-890752.html#ref=rss Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to protest a plan by the French government to legalize gay marriage and adoption. The demonstration turned violent with police using tear gas and batons. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:07:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/anti-gay-marriage-activists-clash-with-paris-police-a-890752.html Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris on Sunday to protest a plan by the French government to legalize gay marriage and adoption. The demonstration turned violent with police using tear gas and batons.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/popularity-of-french-president-francois-hollande-in-steep-decline-a-888568.html#ref=rss Never before has a French president fallen in public sentiment as quickly as François Hollande. Only 10 months after entering into office, his popularity rating is plummeting. An event aimed at getting closer to the people this week didn't help. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:31:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/popularity-of-french-president-francois-hollande-in-steep-decline-a-888568.html Never before has a French president fallen in public sentiment as quickly as François Hollande. Only 10 months after entering into office, his popularity rating is plummeting. An event aimed at getting closer to the people this week didn't help. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/fears-of-return-of-euro-crisis-plague-central-bankers-and-imf-a-886681.html#ref=rss The recent Italian elections demonstrated that the specter of the return of the euro crisis is never far away. Not a single problem in the currency zone has been definitively resolved and some are questioning if the European Central Bank might have to intervene again. Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:49:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/fears-of-return-of-euro-crisis-plague-central-bankers-and-imf-a-886681.html The recent Italian elections demonstrated that the specter of the return of the euro crisis is never far away. Not a single problem in the currency zone has been definitively resolved and some are questioning if the European Central Bank might have to intervene again.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/anne-sinclair-on-strauss-kahn-scandal-and-art-dealer-grandfather-a-882000.html#ref=rss Prominent French journalist Anne Sinclair was most recently in the headlines because of her husband, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. In a SPIEGEL interview, she discusses the scandal, her "magical" childhood in New York, and hobnobbing with the famous artists her grandfather represented. Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:50:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/anne-sinclair-on-strauss-kahn-scandal-and-art-dealer-grandfather-a-882000.html