| SPIEGEL ONLINE | INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER |
| Compiled on February 28, 2012, 06:30 PM CET |
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'Europe Remains a Question of War and Peace'
Kohl Urges Germans to Stay Committed to Europe Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl stepped into the German debate about aid for Greece on Tuesday, warning that the goal of a united Europe mustn't be questioned. Opposition leaders say Merkel's government is teetering following Monday's backbench revolt in the parliamentary vote on the Greek bailout. |
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Euro Crisis Oversight
German Court Grants Parliament More Say in Bailouts The nine-member panel set up by the German parliament to monitor the activities of the temporary euro bailout fund is "in large part" unconstitutional, Germany's top court said on Tuesday. The ruling could curtail Berlin's ability to fight the euro crisis. |
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The World from Berlin
Second Bailout for Greece 'Will Not Be the Last' The German parliament may have passed the second rescue package for Greece, but Chancellor Merkel had to contend with dissenting backbenchers and a loose-lipped cabinet minister who wants Greece out of the euro zone. German commentators, too, warn that Athens will be dependent on European help for years to come. |
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'Excessive Wealth'
French Candidate Calls for Top Tax of 75 Percent If the Socialist Party's candidate wins the current presidential election in France, the country's highest earners may be faced with massive new taxes. Francois Hollande says he wants to introduce a wealth tax of 75 percent on income of over 1 million euros per year. |
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The Fukushima Psychiatrist
'It's Amazing How Traumatized They Are' Since the Fukushima catastrophe almost one year ago, Jun Shigemura has been providing psychological care to workers from the stricken nuclear facility. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he tells of the immense challenges facing TEPCO employees -- and why most of them have elected not to quit their jobs. |
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Coalition Rifts
FDP Could Scupper Merkel's Chances of Third Term Chancellor Angela Merkel wanted to use the nomination of a new presidential candidate to prepare the ground for a new coalition after the next election in 2013. But her junior coalition partner, the FDP, scuppered her plan. Now, the unthinkable has become possible: A future coalition without Merkel's party. |
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Key Al-Qaida Witness
Hamburg Islamist to Stand Trial in Germany Ahmad Sidiqi, an Islamist from Hamburg who received terrorist training in Pakistan for attacks in Germany, is about to go on trial in Koblenz. The 37-year-old, arrested in Kabul in 2010, became a key witness who has provided insights into al-Qaida. His testimony sparked a Europe-wide terror alert. |
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Frankfurt Airport Strike Expands
Transport Minister Warns of 'Disastrous Consequences' With German union GdF slated to expand its strike on Wednesday at Frankfurt Airport, Europe's third largest, air transport could be massively disrupted in Germany and possibly globally. The airport's operator and German flag carrier Lufthansa say they will seek a court injunction to stop the strike. |
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Breaking the US's Dominance
Beijing Wants Say in Choice of World Bank Head Traditionally, the US gets to appoint the president of the World Bank. But China is keen to make its influence felt in the search for a successor to Robert Zoellick, who will step down in June. The next head may still be American, but he or she will need to get Beijing's blessing. |
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The Fairytale of Braunschweig
An Anonymous Donor and Envelopes Stuffed with Cash The German city of Braunschweig has a new benefactor. An anonymous donor has been stuffing envelopes filled with 10,000 euros in cash into the mailboxes of charitable organizations. His latest contribution was an anomaly. A local hospice found the money under its doormat. |
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Picture This
Ship Wreckers |
