SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 02, 2013
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.
By Mary Beth Warner more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 01, 2013
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. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 30, 2013
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. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 29, 2013
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." more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 24, 2013
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. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 09, 2013
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. By Stefan Simons more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 08, 2013
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. By Ullrich Fichtner more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 05, 2013
Germany's Social Democrats had hoped that François Hollande's victory last spring would provide them with some momentum. But Friday's visit to Paris by SPD candidate Peer Steinbrück has highlighted the difficulties facing the European left. A renaissance this election year seems unlikely. By Charles Hawley more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- April 04, 2013
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. By Stefan Simons in Paris more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 27, 2013
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. By Stefan Simons more...
