Compiled on Monday, October 31, 2011, 06:22 PM CET
This mail includes the latest edition of the SPIEGEL INTERNATIONAL
newsletter.
For daily insights on Europe and the world, visit
http://www.spiegel.de/
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ANOTHER U-TURN
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Merkel Responds to Euro Crisis by Shifting Left
Chancellor Angela Merkel has performed another big U-turn by calling for
a minimum wage, which she had opposed until now. She is sharpening her
party's social profile in response to the euro crisis -- and, possibly,
to secure her power by preparing another 'grand coalition' with the
Social Democrats.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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THE DIVISION OF EUROPE
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EU Summit Paves the Way for a Split Continent
Last Wednesday's summit in Brussels took important steps toward saving
the European common currency. But it also made it clear that the
European Union is being divided in two. Germany is the new Europe's
leader -- for better or worse. By SPIEGEL Staff
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Poland's Central Bank Head: 'Euro Crisis Will Continue for a Long Time
to Come'
http://www.spiegel.de/
SPIEGEL Interview with Finance Minister Schäuble: 'Germany Does Not Want
to Rule Europe'
http://www.spiegel.de/
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SPIEGEL INTERVIEW WITH FINANCE MINISTER SCHÄUBLE
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'Germany Does Not Want to Rule Europe'
The European Union reached agreement last week on the way forward in the
euro crisis. But will it be enough? SPIEGEL spoke with German Finance
Minister Wolfgang Schäuble about the deal to cut Greek debt, the dangers
posed by Italy and Germany's newly strengthened leadership role in the
European Union.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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POLAND'S CENTRAL BANK HEAD
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'Euro Crisis Will Continue for a Long Time to Come'
The euro crisis, says Polish central bank head Marek Belka, isn't going
to disappear soon. But in a conversation with SPIEGEL, he talks about
why Warsaw still wants to join the common currency union, the success of
Poland's economy and the reason Eastern Europeans haven't protested
against austerity measures.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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SPIEGEL Interview with Finance Minister Schäuble: 'Germany Does Not Want
to Rule Europe'
http://www.spiegel.de/
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THAILAND'S HEAVY MONSOONS
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Bangkok Evacuates as Floodwaters Rise
Historically severe floods in the heart of Thailand have crept into
Bangkok. A third of the nation stands underwater and the last decade of
development has left the capital without natural defenses such
as forests and grasslands. The country's new prime minister is
struggling to show a brave face.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: Bangkok Threatened
http://www.spiegel.de/
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FIFTY YEARS OF TURKISH IMMIGRATION
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'Guest Workers' Relive Their Journey to Germany
Some 50 years after Germany and Turkey signed a labor agreement, a group
of 35 so-called Turkish 'guest workers' embarked on an anniversary train
trip to relive their original journey. Following her father's path,
writer Yasemin Ergin rode along last week, recording their memories in
the first two parts of her series.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Photo Gallery: A Ticket to Deutschland
http://www.spiegel.de/
Photo Gallery: Flirting With German Women
http://www.spiegel.de/
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COUPLE ARRESTED IN GERMANY
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Alleged Russian Spies Focused on Politics, Military
The man and woman arrested by German authorities on charges of being
undercover agents for Russia are believed to have gathered information
on political and military matters, SPIEGEL has learned. German officials
are hailing the arrest as a big success. Russian authorities have
declined to comment.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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Cold-War Style Spying: Russian Couple's Arrest Could Mar Diplomatic Ties
http://www.spiegel.de/
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ROAD TO THE G-20
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Europe May Act Alone on Financial Transaction Tax
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on Monday that the EU
should launch a financial transactions tax on its own if the G-20 summit
this week can't agree on such a levy. A draft communiqué obtained by
SPIEGEL shows the G-20 plans far-reaching reforms of the global
financial sector.
http://www.spiegel.de/
--------------------
SPIEGEL Interview with Finance Minister Schäuble: 'Germany Does Not Want
to Rule Europe'
http://www.spiegel.de/
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ATOMIC ART
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Anselm Kiefer Plans to Buy Nuclear Power Station
Renowned German artist Anselm Kiefer is not afraid of taboos. Now the
painter and sculptor wants to buy a nuclear power station. In an
interview with SPIEGEL, Kiefer said he would acquire at least the
cooling tower, though his exact plans for the "fantastic" structure
remain uncertain.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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SETTLEMENT PROTEST
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Germany Threatens To Halt Submarine Sale to Israel
The German government is threatening to halt the delivery of a submarine
capable of firing nuclear warheads in protest of the Israeli
government's recent decision to build new homes in the Arab part of
Jerusalem. Earlier this year, SPIEGEL reported that Germany's subsidized
submarine sales program is linked to World War II reparations.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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THE WORLD FROM BERLIN
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A 55 Billion Euro Windfall from 'Germany's Dumbest Bank'
Germany has adjusted its national debt figures downward after a 55.5
billion euro accounting error was revealed at a state-run "bad bank."
While this may seem like good news, German commentators on Monday say no
amount of money can make up for embarrassment.
http://www.spiegel.de/
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PHOTO GALLERY
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Treat of a Trick
Elaborate pumpkin carvings and numerous "zombiewalks" the world over
have been leading up to the night of Oct. 31 for weeks. Halloween traces
its roots back to Ireland, where celtic revelers used to celebrate the
change in seasons, donning costumes in order to ward off the spirits
they believed came out to haunt them on that night.
http://www.spiegel.de/
