http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Wed, 22 May 2013 22:42:55 +0200 Wed, 22 May 2013 22:42:55 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-angela-merkel-successfully-wooing-the-female-vote-a-900886.html#ref=rss The German left used to have a corner on the market when it came to progressive social issues. But Chancellor Merkel has transformed the conservatives, attracting huge quantities of women voters along the way. They've become a hot political commodity in this year's upcoming election, with the opposition struggling to catch up. Wed, 22 May 2013 12:52:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-angela-merkel-successfully-wooing-the-female-vote-a-900886.html The German left used to have a corner on the market when it came to progressive social issues. But Chancellor Merkel has transformed the conservatives, attracting huge quantities of women voters along the way. They've become a hot political commodity in this year's upcoming election, with the opposition struggling to catch up.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-euro-party-alternative-for-germany-a-growing-problem-for-merkel-a-899803.html#ref=rss German Chancellor Angela Merkel wanted to ignore the Alternative for Germany. But with the anti-euro party gaining ground, many among her conservatives say it is time to change strategy. They are concerned that the currency heretics could cost Merkel her re-election. Tue, 14 May 2013 16:18:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/anti-euro-party-alternative-for-germany-a-growing-problem-for-merkel-a-899803.html German Chancellor Angela Merkel wanted to ignore the Alternative for Germany. But with the anti-euro party gaining ground, many among her conservatives say it is time to change strategy. They are concerned that the currency heretics could cost Merkel her re-election.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-pirate-party-seeks-to-reinvent-itself-at-convention-a-899554.html#ref=rss "We will definitely be voted into federal parliament. I can do nothing to change that." Thus spoke Johannes Ponader, a top member of Germany's Pirate Party one year ago. It turns out, he may have been mistaken. In the last 12 months, the party has seen its support plummet -- to below the 5 percent necessary for seats in the Bundestag. And this weekend, the Pirates tried to finally turn their ship around. Mon, 13 May 2013 17:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-pirate-party-seeks-to-reinvent-itself-at-convention-a-899554.html "We will definitely be voted into federal parliament. I can do nothing to change that." Thus spoke Johannes Ponader, a top member of Germany's Pirate Party one year ago. It turns out, he may have been mistaken. In the last 12 months, the party has seen its support plummet -- to below the 5 percent necessary for seats in the Bundestag. And this weekend, the Pirates tried to finally turn their ship around. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/report-cites-rise-in-low-wage-workers-dependent-on-welfare-benefits-a-898693.html#ref=rss Germany's low unemployment rate is the envy of much of Europe. Yet it masks the difficulties many working Germans have in making ends meet and their reliance on welfare benefits. The issue could become important as the election campaign heats up. Wed, 08 May 2013 13:10:04 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/report-cites-rise-in-low-wage-workers-dependent-on-welfare-benefits-a-898693.html Germany's low unemployment rate is the envy of much of Europe. Yet it masks the difficulties many working Germans have in making ends meet and their reliance on welfare benefits. The issue could become important as the election campaign heats up.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-party-alternative-for-germany-draws-new-members-away-from-rivals-a-898524.html#ref=rss The anti-euro party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) was officially founded just a few weeks ago, but it has clearly struck a nerve: It already numbers 10,476 members, SPIEGEL has learned -- some 2,800 of which have switched allegiance from Germany's established parties. Tue, 07 May 2013 12:56:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-party-alternative-for-germany-draws-new-members-away-from-rivals-a-898524.html The anti-euro party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) was officially founded just a few weeks ago, but it has clearly struck a nerve: It already numbers 10,476 members, SPIEGEL has learned -- some 2,800 of which have switched allegiance from Germany's established parties. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-894372.html#ref=rss Will Angela Merkel step down in 2015? A new biography of the German chancellor by Nikolaus Blome, the chief political correspondent of tabloid newspaper , is likely to fan speculation that the chancellor won't serve a full third term even if she does win the general election in September. Bild Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:46:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-894372.html Will Angela Merkel step down in 2015? A new biography of the German chancellor by Nikolaus Blome, the chief political correspondent of tabloid newspaper , is likely to fan speculation that the chancellor won't serve a full third term even if she does win the general election in September. Bild]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/alternative-for-germany-party-to-challenge-european-common-currency-a-894081.html#ref=rss This weekend, the anti-euro Alternative for Germany party will celebrate its official launch in Berlin. Interest in the group has been growing in recent weeks, but pollsters say its chances of landing seats in the federal parliament this fall are still slim. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:44:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/alternative-for-germany-party-to-challenge-european-common-currency-a-894081.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-interview-with-spd-candidate-peer-steinbrueck-a-892973.html#ref=rss In an interview with SPIEGEL, Peer Steinbrück, the 66-year-old Social Democrat German chancellor candidate, says Chancellor Angela Merkel's strict focus on austerity in the debt crisis has been wrong. He also vows to crack down on tax evaders and raise taxes on high earners. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:11:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-interview-with-spd-candidate-peer-steinbrueck-a-892973.html In an interview with SPIEGEL, Peer Steinbrück, the 66-year-old Social Democrat German chancellor candidate, says Chancellor Angela Merkel's strict focus on austerity in the debt crisis has been wrong. He also vows to crack down on tax evaders and raise taxes on high earners.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-spd-growing-wary-of-partnership-with-french-president-hollande-a-892820.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:01:53 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-spd-growing-wary-of-partnership-with-french-president-hollande-a-892820.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-candidate-steinbrueck-favors-gender-division-in-deference-to-islam-a-892744.html#ref=rss When it comes to the integration of Germany's Muslim minority, the center-left Social Democrats tend to be much less hard-line than Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives. But on Wednesday evening, SPD chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrück may have gone a step too far when he waded into what in the past has been a hornet's nest of controversy in Germany. He expressed support for physical education classes in German schools to be divided by gender. Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:20:34 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-candidate-steinbrueck-favors-gender-division-in-deference-to-islam-a-892744.html When it comes to the integration of Germany's Muslim minority, the center-left Social Democrats tend to be much less hard-line than Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives. But on Wednesday evening, SPD chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrück may have gone a step too far when he waded into what in the past has been a hornet's nest of controversy in Germany. He expressed support for physical education classes in German schools to be divided by gender. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/african-immigrant-runs-to-become-first-black-man-in-german-parliament-a-892081.html#ref=rss In July 1991, two youths punched Karamba Diaby in the face and chased after him in a racist attack in Halle, an eastern German town with a significant neo-Nazi problem. Now he's about to campaign in the city to become the first black member of the German parliament in the September general election. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/african-immigrant-runs-to-become-first-black-man-in-german-parliament-a-892081.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-candidate-peer-steinbrueck-in-a-football-fracas-a-889153.html#ref=rss One almost begins to feel sorry for Peer Steinbrück, the Social Democratic candidate for the Chancellery in elections this fall. He has developed a reputation for bumbling and jamming his foot deep into his mouth. And now, attention is being paid to his every move. To wit: Steinbrück now finds himself embroiled in a controversy over which football team he roots for. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:57:11 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spd-candidate-peer-steinbrueck-in-a-football-fracas-a-889153.html One almost begins to feel sorry for Peer Steinbrück, the Social Democratic candidate for the Chancellery in elections this fall. He has developed a reputation for bumbling and jamming his foot deep into his mouth. And now, attention is being paid to his every move. To wit: Steinbrück now finds himself embroiled in a controversy over which football team he roots for. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-social-democrats-still-reeling-from-decade-old-reform-package-a-888672.html#ref=rss The Agenda 2010 package of reforms German Social Democrats pushed through a decade ago played a huge role in the country's ability to weather recent economic crises. But the party itself has yet to recover -- and has abdicated its previous role as a driver of modernization. Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:16:10 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-social-democrats-still-reeling-from-decade-old-reform-package-a-888672.html The Agenda 2010 package of reforms German Social Democrats pushed through a decade ago played a huge role in the country's ability to weather recent economic crises. But the party itself has yet to recover -- and has abdicated its previous role as a driver of modernization.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-888401.html#ref=rss He's not François Hollande, but one could be forgiven for believing he has taken his cue from the Socialist French president. On Monday, Peer Steinbrück, the chancellor candidate for the center-left Social Democratic Party, said he wants to significantly increase taxes for Germany's top earners if elected in September. Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:32:49 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-888401.html He's not François Hollande, but one could be forgiven for believing he has taken his cue from the Socialist French president. On Monday, Peer Steinbrück, the chancellor candidate for the center-left Social Democratic Party, said he wants to significantly increase taxes for Germany's top earners if elected in September. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-888189.html#ref=rss Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:48:10 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-888189.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-party-in-germany-goes-after-euro-skeptic-voters-a-887744.html#ref=rss Anti-euro political parties in Europe in recent years have so far tended to be either well to the right of center or, as evidenced by the recent vote in Italy, anything but staid. But in Germany, change may be afoot. A new party is forming this spring, intent on abandoning European efforts to prop up the common currency. And its founders are a collection of some of the country's top economists and academics. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:13:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/new-party-in-germany-goes-after-euro-skeptic-voters-a-887744.html Anti-euro political parties in Europe in recent years have so far tended to be either well to the right of center or, as evidenced by the recent vote in Italy, anything but staid. But in Germany, change may be afoot. A new party is forming this spring, intent on abandoning European efforts to prop up the common currency. And its founders are a collection of some of the country's top economists and academics. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/top-member-johannes-ponader-resigns-from-embattled-german-pirate-party-a-887448.html#ref=rss What a difference a year makes. In April 2012, Germany's Pirate Party was the new darling of the political scene, the center of attention in Berlin and the object of adulation among (male) twenty-somethings. Now, however, the Pirates look as though they have lost their treasure map, having become , backstabbing and a lack of direction. And on Wednesday evening, the party's chief policymaker, Johannes Ponader, resigned as a result. consumed with internal bickering Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:55:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/top-member-johannes-ponader-resigns-from-embattled-german-pirate-party-a-887448.html What a difference a year makes. In April 2012, Germany's Pirate Party was the new darling of the political scene, the center of attention in Berlin and the object of adulation among (male) twenty-somethings. Now, however, the Pirates look as though they have lost their treasure map, having become , backstabbing and a lack of direction. And on Wednesday evening, the party's chief policymaker, Johannes Ponader, resigned as a result. consumed with internal bickering]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-walks-a-fine-line-on-gay-marriage-a-887015.html#ref=rss Last week, it looked as though Angela Merkel's conservatives were prepared to reverse course on extending more rights to same-sex couples. But now the German chancellor has confirmed her party's opposition. As another high-court ruling approaches, however, it won't last. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:43:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/chancellor-merkel-walks-a-fine-line-on-gay-marriage-a-887015.html Last week, it looked as though Angela Merkel's conservatives were prepared to reverse course on extending more rights to same-sex couples. But now the German chancellor has confirmed her party's opposition. As another high-court ruling approaches, however, it won't last. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-886174.html#ref=rss Now, even the clowns themselves are involved. Three days after Peer Steinbrück, the Social Democratic candidate to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in elections this autumn, referred to Italian political leaders Silvio Berlusconi and Beppe Grillo as "clowns," the head of Germany's most famous circus has expressed his displeasure at being compared to the former Italian prime minister. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:20:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-886174.html Now, even the clowns themselves are involved. Three days after Peer Steinbrück, the Social Democratic candidate to challenge Chancellor Angela Merkel in elections this autumn, referred to Italian political leaders Silvio Berlusconi and Beppe Grillo as "clowns," the head of Germany's most famous circus has expressed his displeasure at being compared to the former Italian prime minister. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-pirate-party-sinks-amid-chaos-and-bickering-a-884533.html#ref=rss Germany's Pirate Party is falling apart. Instead of finally beginning work on their election platform, leaders of the Internet-freedom party are fighting among themselves instead. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:55:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-pirate-party-sinks-amid-chaos-and-bickering-a-884533.html By SPIEGEL Staff ]]>