SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 19, 2013
The German government is taking a back seat on attempts to outlaw the right-wing extremist National Democratic Party, letting Germany's 16 states make their case at the nation's highest court alone. Editorialists support the decision, saying right-wing extremism must be fought at the ballot box. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 25, 2013
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. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 20, 2013
Germany's top court on Tuesday ruled gay people should be allowed to adopt a child already adopted by their partner. The decision won't affect many people, but it's a signal that Berlin must do more to boost the legal rights of gay couples. Media commentators say it's high time that Chancellor Angela Merkel's government accepted the realities of modern society. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 17, 2012
Gays and lesbians have the right to adopt children in Germany -- but not as a couple. The country's highest court is set to review the issue on Tuesday, and its results will ultimately impact the question of legal equality for same-sex unions. By Dietmar Hipp more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- November 20, 2012
In an effort to preempt a ban on its existence, Germany's far-right NPD party has taken the unusual step of asking the country's high court to confirm its constitutionality. The request isn't likely to be taken seriously, legal expert Martin Morlok explains. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 17, 2012
The German government is pleased with the recent decision by the country's Constitutional Court that gave the green light to ratify the permanent euro bailout fund. But the celebration may be premature. Some of the conditions set by the court could prove prickly for the government and its final ruling on the case could come with unpleasant surprises. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 17, 2012
Germany's Constitutional Court cleared the way for the country to ratify the permanent euro rescue fund, the ESM, in a closely watched ruling last week. In a SPIEGEL interview, Bavarian Finance Minister Markus Söder expresses his concerns about the decision and calls for Germany's central bank to be given new supervisory powers. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 13, 2012
The winners and losers in Wednesday's ruling on the permanent euro bailout fund by Germany's highest court may appear clear cut, but the decision is more complicated than it seems. Before the European Stability Mechanism can be ratified, the German government must answer complicated legal questions. By Dietmar Hipp in Karlsruhe, Germany more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 13, 2012
With the green light now given for ratification of the European Stability Mechanism, euro-zone leaders appear to be a step closer to saving the common currency. But many German newspaper editorialists see faults in the ruling by the Constitutional Court and warn that a major new fight is brewing over the European Central Bank's role in efforts to save the euro. more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 13, 2012
The Constitutional Court's ruling on the ESM has provided relief to markets and European leaders. With the bailout fund and the ECB's bond-buying program, the euro zone now has an impressive arsenal of weapons at its disposal. Politicians will soon be turning their attention to the next major project: a European banking union. By Carsten Volkery more... [ Forum ]
