SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 01, 2013
Chancellor Merkel, who is trying to form a government after falling just five seats short of a majority in the Sept. 22 election, will hold preliminary talks with the opposition Greens next week. A coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) looks far more likely though. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- October 01, 2013
On the surface, Oktoberfest is all about booze and sex. But the world's most famous folk festival can also be seen as a microcosm of Bavarian culture, where tradition and conviviality have combined to create a special brand of prosperity. By Ullrich Fichtner more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 30, 2013
It's quickly becoming clear how hard it's going to be for Angela Merkel to form a new government. The SPD wants the Finance Ministry and will ballot its members on any deal. In the end, though, they're likely to reach an agreement, say media commentators. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 25, 2013
Germany's euroskeptic Alternative for Germany party came tantalizingly close to the threshold needed for parliamentary representation in Sunday's election. But it failed. Now members are worried that the young party could unravel. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 25, 2013
The Social Democrats hate the idea of a coalition with Angela Merkel, but media commentators say the party will probably have to accept one -- and could even benefit if it extracts the right price. A Merkel coalition with the Greens is possible, but unlikely. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 24, 2013
Despite Angela Merkel's landslide win, it could take months for Germany to form a coalition. She's only five seats short of a majority but the SPD, stung by its last foray into government with the chancellor, will extract a high price -- and may say no altogether. By David Crossland more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 24, 2013
Foreign policy has never been one of Angela Merkel's strong suits. But several German allies will be watching closely to see how the chancellor might use her new-found power on the international stage. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 24, 2013
Germany's Green Party faces a shake-up after its poor performance in Sunday's election, with lead candidate Jürgen Trittin the latest to step down. Now former head Joschka Fischer is taking the party's leadership to task, as the finger pointing begins in earnest. By SPIEGEL Staff more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2013
Angela Merkel clearly won Sunday's German election, but she will need a coalition partner. Many in Europe are hoping an alliance with the center-left Social Democrats would mean a change in the chancellor's harsh austerity policies. Those hopes may be dashed. By Charles Hawley and Daryl Lindsey more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2013
Angela Merkel, in a hurry to find a coalition after Sunday's election, contacted the center-left Social Democrats on Monday to set up talks. But the SPD stalled her and made clear she will have to make policy concessions if she wants them on board. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2013
Despite falling short of the 5 percent hurdle required to enter parliament, the euroskeptic Alternative for Germany party performed surprisingly well in the German election. Experts say the party shouldn't be underestimated. By Friederike Heine more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2013
Germany's Free Democrats had never fallen below 5 percent in a general election -- until Sunday. As a result, the party faces major restructuring of its leadership, with chairman Philipp Rösler being the first to resign on Monday. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2013
Voters in the German state of Hesse were also called upon on Sunday to choose a new government. The results of the election were anything but clear and coalition negotiations there promise to be drawn out and tedious. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2013
Angela Merkel is at the zenith of her power. Her historic election win on Sunday reflects how deeply Germans appreciate her no-nonsense, frugal Hausfrau style of governing, say editorials. But she now needs to address domestic reforms to secure her legacy. more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- September 23, 2013
At 42 percent, the conservatives have pulled in their best result in 23 years. But with Merkel's party appearing to fall short of an absolute majority, the question now is who will join her in a coalition government. By Philipp Wittrock more... [ Comment ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
