http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Thu, 23 May 2013 16:12:48 +0200 Thu, 23 May 2013 16:12:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sarkozy-speech-in-montreal-criticizes-hollande-policies-a-897165.html#ref=rss 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." Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:43:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/sarkozy-speech-in-montreal-criticizes-hollande-policies-a-897165.html 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." ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-magazine-editor-satisfied-with-sarkozy-campaign-investigation-a-890751.html#ref=rss Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is under investigation for exploiting the country's richest woman to raise campaign funds. Edwy Plenel, founder of <i>Mediapart</i>, the online news magazine that broke the scandal, tells SPIEGEL that there could be more such cases to come. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:08:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-magazine-editor-satisfied-with-sarkozy-campaign-investigation-a-890751.html Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy is under investigation for exploiting the country's richest woman to raise campaign funds. Edwy Plenel, founder of Mediapart, the online news magazine that broke the scandal, tells SPIEGEL that there could be more such cases to come.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-industrial-policies-are-aiding-rapid-decline-of-peugeot-a-850348.html#ref=rss French carmaker Peugeot is fighting for its survival. But, by keeping its plants in-country and supporting wage hikes, the government is ignoring the rules of survival in the age of globalization. In the end, the workers it is trying to help might be the biggest losers. Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:02:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-industrial-policies-are-aiding-rapid-decline-of-peugeot-a-850348.html French carmaker Peugeot is fighting for its survival. But, by keeping its plants in-country and supporting wage hikes, the government is ignoring the rules of survival in the age of globalization. In the end, the workers it is trying to help might be the biggest losers.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/analysis-of-election-victory-of-french-president-fran-ois-hollande-a-831762.html#ref=rss On the night of his victory, France's new president seemed exhausted and overwhelmed by the size of his task. François Hollande has little time to master the transition from candidate to president. He faces important tests at home and abroad, including finding a way to get along with Angela Merkel. Mon, 07 May 2012 12:38:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/analysis-of-election-victory-of-french-president-fran-ois-hollande-a-831762.html On the night of his victory, France's new president seemed exhausted and overwhelmed by the size of his task. François Hollande has little time to master the transition from candidate to president. He faces important tests at home and abroad, including finding a way to get along with Angela Merkel.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/as-president-hollande-will-have-no-choice-but-to-disappoint-french-a-831667.html#ref=rss The French chose François Hollande because he promised to be a different president than Nicolas Sarkozy. He just won one of the most difficult jobs on earth: to reform France. To succeed he will have to disappoint many of his supporters. But Hollande is a pragmatist, not an ideologue -- and this might even help him to bond with Angela Merkel. Sun, 06 May 2012 22:21:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/as-president-hollande-will-have-no-choice-but-to-disappoint-french-a-831667.html The French chose François Hollande because he promised to be a different president than Nicolas Sarkozy. He just won one of the most difficult jobs on earth: to reform France. To succeed he will have to disappoint many of his supporters. But Hollande is a pragmatist, not an ideologue -- and this might even help him to bond with Angela Merkel.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-voters-elect-fran-ois-hollande-as-next-president-a-831654.html#ref=rss France has elected François Hollande as its next president. Incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy has become the first president in 31 years not to get elected to a second term. Hollande's election is also expected to have a major impact on European Union policies. Sun, 06 May 2012 19:48:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-voters-elect-fran-ois-hollande-as-next-president-a-831654.html France has elected François Hollande as its next president. Incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy has become the first president in 31 years not to get elected to a second term. Hollande's election is also expected to have a major impact on European Union policies. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-on-french-presidential-elections-a-831336.html#ref=rss New polls indicate that the gap between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and frontrunner François Hollande is narrowing. But most still expect the Socialist challenger to emerge victorious on Sunday. German commentators say that Hollande still has a lot to learn -- and the sooner he does, the greater the clout he will have in Europe. Fri, 04 May 2012 15:26:51 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-on-french-presidential-elections-a-831336.html New polls indicate that the gap between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and frontrunner François Hollande is narrowing. But most still expect the Socialist challenger to emerge victorious on Sunday. German commentators say that Hollande still has a lot to learn -- and the sooner he does, the greater the clout he will have in Europe. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/profile-of-french-socialist-presidential-candidate-francois-hollande-a-830642.html#ref=rss All eyes in Europe are on François Hollande, the Socialist candidate who could become France's next president on Sunday. The reserved technocrat has become more confident and presidential during the campaign, and makes up for his shortcomings as an orator by showing genuine empathy with people. But even his friends say he is hard to fathom. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:55:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/profile-of-french-socialist-presidential-candidate-francois-hollande-a-830642.html All eyes in Europe are on François Hollande, the Socialist candidate who could become France's next president on Sunday. The reserved technocrat has become more confident and presidential during the campaign, and makes up for his shortcomings as an orator by showing genuine empathy with people. But even his friends say he is hard to fathom. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/press-review-of-german-newspaper-editorials-on-dutch-and-french-politics-a-829440.html#ref=rss The collapse of the Dutch government, the prospect of Socialist François Hollande as next French president and the surging popularity of far-right parties shows that budget discipline is out of fashion in Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel is looking increasingly lonely in her fight to save the euro through painful austerity measures, write German commentators. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:59:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/press-review-of-german-newspaper-editorials-on-dutch-and-french-politics-a-829440.html The collapse of the Dutch government, the prospect of Socialist François Hollande as next French president and the surging popularity of far-right parties shows that budget discipline is out of fashion in Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel is looking increasingly lonely in her fight to save the euro through painful austerity measures, write German commentators.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-on-first-round-of-french-election-a-829218.html#ref=rss Socialist challenger François Hollande may have got the biggest share of the vote in the first round of the French presidential election, but the real winner seems to be right-wing populist Marine Le Pen. German commentators argue that incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy only has himself to blame for his poor showing. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:55:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-on-first-round-of-french-election-a-829218.html Socialist challenger François Hollande may have got the biggest share of the vote in the first round of the French presidential election, but the real winner seems to be right-wing populist Marine Le Pen. German commentators argue that incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy only has himself to blame for his poor showing.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/luxembourg-minister-blasts-french-german-border-control-plan-a-829204.html#ref=rss In an interview with SPIEGEL, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn attacks a Franco-German plan to allow Schengen-zone countries to temporarily re-introduce border controls. The move is a populist ploy by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to secure his re-election, says Asselborn. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:32:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/luxembourg-minister-blasts-french-german-border-control-plan-a-829204.html In an interview with SPIEGEL, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn attacks a Franco-German plan to allow Schengen-zone countries to temporarily re-introduce border controls. The move is a populist ploy by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to secure his re-election, says Asselborn.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/commentary-on-first-round-of-french-presidential-election-a-829095.html#ref=rss Socialist challenger Francois Hollande has beaten incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in the first round of the French presidential election. The result is a sign of how frustrated the French are with the state of their country, and how angry they are with Sarkozy. Hollande now has to appeal to supporters of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen if he wants to win the second round. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:31:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/commentary-on-first-round-of-french-presidential-election-a-829095.html Socialist challenger Francois Hollande has beaten incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in the first round of the French presidential election. The result is a sign of how frustrated the French are with the state of their country, and how angry they are with Sarkozy. Hollande now has to appeal to supporters of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen if he wants to win the second round.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-and-france-seek-to-weaken-europe-s-border-free-travel-regime-a-828676.html#ref=rss Germany and France want to weaken Europe's border-free travel agreement, according to a Friday newspaper report. Berlin and Paris would like to be able to temporarily reintroduce border controls due to concerns about illegal immigration. The move is not, a Berlin official assures, to be seen as re-election campaign help for Sarkozy. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:16:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-and-france-seek-to-weaken-europe-s-border-free-travel-regime-a-828676.html Germany and France want to weaken Europe's border-free travel agreement, according to a Friday newspaper report. Berlin and Paris would like to be able to temporarily reintroduce border controls due to concerns about illegal immigration. The move is not, a Berlin official assures, to be seen as re-election campaign help for Sarkozy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/what-a-hollande-victory-would-mean-for-merkel-and-german-french-relations-a-828537.html#ref=rss German Chancellor Merkel has made it clear that she would like to see French President Nicolas Sarkozy win a second term. Indeed, if his challenger François Hollande emerges victorious in the country's upcoming election, she could face isolation in Europe. But a Sarkozy re-election might be problematic, too. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:08:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/what-a-hollande-victory-would-mean-for-merkel-and-german-french-relations-a-828537.html German Chancellor Merkel has made it clear that she would like to see French President Nicolas Sarkozy win a second term. Indeed, if his challenger François Hollande emerges victorious in the country's upcoming election, she could face isolation in Europe. But a Sarkozy re-election might be problematic, too.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-candidates-appeal-to-voters-on-eve-of-presidential-election-a-827770.html#ref=rss French voters go to the polls for the first round of the presidential election on Sunday. So far, it's been a strange campaign in which personalities have played a bigger role than the country's troubled economy. The French media have focused primarily on the fate of President Nicolas Sarkozy -- a fate which remains uncertain. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:24:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-candidates-appeal-to-voters-on-eve-of-presidential-election-a-827770.html French voters go to the polls for the first round of the presidential election on Sunday. So far, it's been a strange campaign in which personalities have played a bigger role than the country's troubled economy. The French media have focused primarily on the fate of President Nicolas Sarkozy -- a fate which remains uncertain. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/analysis-of-sarkozy-s-shift-to-the-right-in-french-election-campaign-a-826682.html#ref=rss As the French election campaign enters its last two weeks, President Nicolas Sarkozy is courting right-wing extremist voters. In his neck-and-neck race against Socialist Party candidate François Hollande, they could decide the outcome. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:50:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/analysis-of-sarkozy-s-shift-to-the-right-in-french-election-campaign-a-826682.html As the French election campaign enters its last two weeks, President Nicolas Sarkozy is courting right-wing extremist voters. In his neck-and-neck race against Socialist Party candidate François Hollande, they could decide the outcome. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-chancellery-prepares-for-sarkozy-election-loss-a-824873.html#ref=rss Angela Merkel initially refused to receive French presidential candidate François Hollande when he offered a meeting recently. But as his victory against Nicolas Sarkozy seems more likely, the German Chancellery has made its first contacts with the Socialist Party politician's camp. After all, Berlin and Paris must stick together. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:08:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-chancellery-prepares-for-sarkozy-election-loss-a-824873.html Angela Merkel initially refused to receive French presidential candidate François Hollande when he offered a meeting recently. But as his victory against Nicolas Sarkozy seems more likely, the German Chancellery has made its first contacts with the Socialist Party politician's camp. After all, Berlin and Paris must stick together. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/toulouse-attacks-boost-sarkozy-s-election-chances-a-823734.html#ref=rss The deadly attacks in Toulouse have not only shaken France, but have also changed the course of the presidential election campaign. Before the brutal murders, President Nicolas Sarkozy was struggling in the polls. But calling for unity in reaction to the crisis, he's now gained new momentum and confidence. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:22:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/toulouse-attacks-boost-sarkozy-s-election-chances-a-823734.html The deadly attacks in Toulouse have not only shaken France, but have also changed the course of the presidential election campaign. Before the brutal murders, President Nicolas Sarkozy was struggling in the polls. But calling for unity in reaction to the crisis, he's now gained new momentum and confidence.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/merkel-angry-at-sarkozy-for-turning-down-her-election-campaign-help-a-822170.html#ref=rss German Chancellor Angela Merkel is annoyed at French President Nicolas Sarkozy for no longer wanting her help in his re-election campaign, SPIEGEL has learned. She had agreed to make joint appearances with him in the run-up to the April 22 vote, but he has changed his mind because their alliance isn't boosting his poll ratings. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:58:24 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/merkel-angry-at-sarkozy-for-turning-down-her-election-campaign-help-a-822170.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-election-campaign-sarkozy-targets-foreigners-to-boost-poll-numbers-a-819914.html#ref=rss French President Nicolas Sarkozy faces a steep uphill battle in his campaign for re-election. On Tuesday, he vowed to slash the number of immigrants allowed into the country, complaining of "too many foreigners." The policy proposal marks a change from the mudslinging that has characterized the contest thus far. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:19:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-election-campaign-sarkozy-targets-foreigners-to-boost-poll-numbers-a-819914.html French President Nicolas Sarkozy faces a steep uphill battle in his campaign for re-election. On Tuesday, he vowed to slash the number of immigrants allowed into the country, complaining of "too many foreigners." The policy proposal marks a change from the mudslinging that has characterized the contest thus far.]]>