http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Tue, 21 May 2013 09:36:06 +0200 Tue, 21 May 2013 09:36:06 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/berlin-calls-nazi-comparison-by-hungarian-leader-a-derailment-a-900830.html#ref=rss Hungary's controversial prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has angered Berlin by comparing its policies to those of the Nazis. On Monday, Foreign Minister Westerwelle rejected the comparison, saying it was "regrettable." Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:17 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/berlin-calls-nazi-comparison-by-hungarian-leader-a-derailment-a-900830.html Hungary's controversial prime minister, Viktor Orbán, has angered Berlin by comparing its policies to those of the Nazis. On Monday, Foreign Minister Westerwelle rejected the comparison, saying it was "regrettable."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-german-foreign-minister-guido-westerwelle-a-900611.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, 51, discusses the search for a political solution to the Syrian civil war, controversial German arms exports and how his family's experiences in World War II inform his positions today. Mon, 20 May 2013 11:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/interview-with-german-foreign-minister-guido-westerwelle-a-900611.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-survey-shows-widespread-homophobia-in-europe-a-900505.html#ref=rss Harassed at work and the doctor's office, bullied and assaulted in public: The gay, bisexual and transgender community is still widely discriminated against in Europe. In an new EU survey, the most comprehensive to date, more than 90,000 participants report on the extent of their harassment. Fri, 17 May 2013 15:33:44 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-survey-shows-widespread-homophobia-in-europe-a-900505.html Harassed at work and the doctor's office, bullied and assaulted in public: The gay, bisexual and transgender community is still widely discriminated against in Europe. In an new EU survey, the most comprehensive to date, more than 90,000 participants report on the extent of their harassment. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-sees-chemical-weapons-as-trigger-for-intervention-in-syria-a-899962.html#ref=rss The German government is starting to worry about parallels between the Iraq war 10 years ago and the Syrian conflict. The Foreign Ministry believes that mounting concern over the possible use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime could prompt the US government to launch a military intervention. Wed, 15 May 2013 12:45:26 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-sees-chemical-weapons-as-trigger-for-intervention-in-syria-a-899962.html The German government is starting to worry about parallels between the Iraq war 10 years ago and the Syrian conflict. The Foreign Ministry believes that mounting concern over the possible use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime could prompt the US government to launch a military intervention. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/top-german-politicians-warn-italians-against-voting-for-berlusconi-a-884265.html#ref=rss Top politicians tend to remain silent on elections being held abroad. But German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle this week has issued a barely concealed warning to Italians against voting for Silvio Berlusconi. And he isn't the only one in Berlin who is nervous about a possible return of "Il Cavaliere." Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:21:47 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/top-german-politicians-warn-italians-against-voting-for-berlusconi-a-884265.html Top politicians tend to remain silent on elections being held abroad. But German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle this week has issued a barely concealed warning to Italians against voting for Silvio Berlusconi. And he isn't the only one in Berlin who is nervous about a possible return of "Il Cavaliere."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-approach-to-crisis-regions-frustrates-allies-a-878717.html#ref=rss German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is intent on keeping his country out of military operations in Mali. But his insistence on playing the role of peacemaker is increasingly frustrating Berlin's allies. Many in Berlin are likewise unimpressed. Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:16:19 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-approach-to-crisis-regions-frustrates-allies-a-878717.html German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is intent on keeping his country out of military operations in Mali. But his insistence on playing the role of peacemaker is increasingly frustrating Berlin's allies. Many in Berlin are likewise unimpressed.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-foreign-minister-westerwelle-urges-britain-to-stay-in-eu-a-877108.html#ref=rss European politicians are nervously awaiting a speech by British Prime Minister David Cameron that they hope will clarify his stance on the country's position in the European Union. Germany's foreign minister is already warning against efforts by the euroskeptic wing of his party to make an exit. Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:39:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-foreign-minister-westerwelle-urges-britain-to-stay-in-eu-a-877108.html European politicians are nervously awaiting a speech by British Prime Minister David Cameron that they hope will clarify his stance on the country's position in the European Union. Germany's foreign minister is already warning against efforts by the euroskeptic wing of his party to make an exit.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-foreign-minister-urges-resolution-in-us-budget-dispute-a-875020.html#ref=rss All eyes are on Washington where US President Barack Obama and lawmakers are due to launch last-ditch talks Friday to avert automatic tax hikes and spending cuts that could plunge the country into recession. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle reminded all sides that they have a responsibility not just to the US, but to the global economy. Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:57:42 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-foreign-minister-urges-resolution-in-us-budget-dispute-a-875020.html All eyes are on Washington where US President Barack Obama and lawmakers are due to launch last-ditch talks Friday to avert automatic tax hikes and spending cuts that could plunge the country into recession. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle reminded all sides that they have a responsibility not just to the US, but to the global economy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cabinet-authorizes-sending-patriots-to-turkey-with-nato-a-871378.html#ref=rss Chancellor Merkel's cabinet on Thursday approved a measure to send Patriot air defense missiles to Turkey as part of a NATO mission to prevent violence from spilling over from across Syrian border. Once approved by parliament, the mandate will allow the 400 German soldiers to be stationed there too. Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:55:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-cabinet-authorizes-sending-patriots-to-turkey-with-nato-a-871378.html Chancellor Merkel's cabinet on Thursday approved a measure to send Patriot air defense missiles to Turkey as part of a NATO mission to prevent violence from spilling over from across Syrian border. Once approved by parliament, the mandate will allow the 400 German soldiers to be stationed there too.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-faces-logistical-and-political-trouble-in-afghanistan-drawdown-a-861346.html#ref=rss The plan sounds good: Complete withdrawal of German combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. But it is hardly realistic. For one, it is a daunting logistical challenge. For another, troops will have to remain in the country to protect the military trainers who will stay after the main force leaves. Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:48:08 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-faces-logistical-and-political-trouble-in-afghanistan-drawdown-a-861346.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-foreign-ministers-schedule-appearance-to-support-euro-a-850380.html#ref=rss With skepticism over the euro growing in Germany, several of the country's past foreign ministers are planning an appearance to express their clear support for the common currency. The unusual nonpartisan move comes as Germans become increasingly skeptical of efforts to save the euro. Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:33:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-foreign-ministers-schedule-appearance-to-support-euro-a-850380.html With skepticism over the euro growing in Germany, several of the country's past foreign ministers are planning an appearance to express their clear support for the common currency. The unusual nonpartisan move comes as Germans become increasingly skeptical of efforts to save the euro.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-calls-for-greater-chinese-and-russian-contribution-to-afghanistan-a-838831.html#ref=rss Many in the West feel that China and Russia should be contributing more to stability in Afghanistan. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle plans to demand more from Beijing and Moscow at a conference starting Thursday in Kabul. But he'll likely get little more than empty promises. Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/germany-calls-for-greater-chinese-and-russian-contribution-to-afghanistan-a-838831.html Many in the West feel that China and Russia should be contributing more to stability in Afghanistan. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle plans to demand more from Beijing and Moscow at a conference starting Thursday in Kabul. But he'll likely get little more than empty promises.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/french-president-leaves-open-possibility-of-military-intervention-in-syria-a-835906.html#ref=rss Berlin reacted with surprise and irritation on Wednesday at French President François Hollande's statement that he would not rule out international military intervention in Syria. Officials were quick to state that Germany is not considering military options, and some said Hollande's position was made for domestic political gains. Wed, 30 May 2012 11:35:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/french-president-leaves-open-possibility-of-military-intervention-in-syria-a-835906.html Berlin reacted with surprise and irritation on Wednesday at French President François Hollande's statement that he would not rule out international military intervention in Syria. Officials were quick to state that Germany is not considering military options, and some said Hollande's position was made for domestic political gains.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-foreign-ministry-loses-power-at-home-and-abroad-a-830677.html#ref=rss Germany's diplomats are rapidly losing influence amid the debt crisis as Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle's popularity dwindles and the Chancellery takes over European policy. But the Foreign Ministry is working on a plan to grab back power. Fri, 04 May 2012 12:21:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-foreign-ministry-loses-power-at-home-and-abroad-a-830677.html Germany's diplomats are rapidly losing influence amid the debt crisis as Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle's popularity dwindles and the Chancellery takes over European policy. But the Foreign Ministry is working on a plan to grab back power.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-split-on-middle-east-peace-policies-a-823679.html#ref=rss Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle are at odds over Middle East policy. While Merkel avoids opposing Israel on big issues, Westerwelle would like to show the Palestinians more support. The conflict threatens to jeopardize Germany's reputation as a credible partner in the region. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:06:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/berlin-split-on-middle-east-peace-policies-a-823679.html Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle are at odds over Middle East policy. While Merkel avoids opposing Israel on big issues, Westerwelle would like to show the Palestinians more support. The conflict threatens to jeopardize Germany's reputation as a credible partner in the region.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/guido-westerwelle-criticized-for-meeting-on-the-eu-s-future-a-822147.html#ref=rss German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has annoyed his European colleagues by planning a meeting on Europe's post-crisis future, but only inviting representatives from a select list of member states. The meeting's timing has also been described as inappropriate, given the challenges the EU currently faces. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:55:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/guido-westerwelle-criticized-for-meeting-on-the-eu-s-future-a-822147.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/westerwelle-says-song-contest-should-be-forum-for-promoting-civil-rights-a-821261.html#ref=rss The Eurovision Song Contest in Azerbaijan this year should be used as a forum for promoting civil rights in that country, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said on Wednesday. The same should apply to Ukraine, which will co-host the European football championship and is under fire for jailing Yulia Tymoshenko, the former prime minister, he added. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/westerwelle-says-song-contest-should-be-forum-for-promoting-civil-rights-a-821261.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/better-to-be-a-dictator-than-gay-germany-slams-lukashenko-over-slur-a-819458.html#ref=rss Berlin has reacted with disgust to an insult by the Belarus president about Germany's homosexual foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle. In response to criticism of his country's human rights record, Alexander Lukashenko said it is "better to be a dictator than gay." Westerwelle said the remark "speaks for itself." Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:02:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/better-to-be-a-dictator-than-gay-germany-slams-lukashenko-over-slur-a-819458.html Berlin has reacted with disgust to an insult by the Belarus president about Germany's homosexual foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle. In response to criticism of his country's human rights record, Alexander Lukashenko said it is "better to be a dictator than gay." Westerwelle said the remark "speaks for itself."]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-interview-with-foreign-minister-westerwelle-i-don-t-want-a-german-europe-a-814977.html#ref=rss In a SPIEGEL interview, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, 50, discusses the "repulsive" violence in Syria, his concerns about Germany's standing in Europe as a result of the euro crisis and his disatisfaction with the recent political impasse in Greece. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:08:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-interview-with-foreign-minister-westerwelle-i-don-t-want-a-german-europe-a-814977.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-s-coalition-partners-unravel-confidence-wanes-in-fdp-leader-roesler-a-807988.html#ref=rss Despite efforts to breathe new life into their faltering message, Free Democratic Party leader Philipp Rösler could be forced to step down soon. Should he fall, Chancellor Merkel could lose much more than a key political partner. Her entire cabinet could face a significant reshuffle. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-s-coalition-partners-unravel-confidence-wanes-in-fdp-leader-roesler-a-807988.html