| SPIEGEL ONLINE | INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER |
| Compiled on March 26, 2012, 06:15 PM CET |
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Growth at Risk
Slow Pace of Reform Threatens German Prosperity Germany may like to present itself internationally as a model of modern economic policy, but in reality much-needed domestic reforms have been stalled for years. The OECD has warned that German prosperity may be at risk if Berlin doesn't take action. |
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The President and the Terrorist
Toulouse Attacks Boost Sarkozy's Election Chances 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. |
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One Administration, Two Views
Berlin Split on Middle East Peace Policies 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. |
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Germany Bows to Pressure
Merkel Comes Around to Euro-Zone Firewall Boost German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble have long opposed a further expansion of the euro-zone bailout fund, which would expose German taxpayers to billions in new liabilities. But SPIEGEL has learned that Merkel has given up her opposition and will likely agree to strengthen the firewall later this week. |
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State Election in Saarland
Relief for Merkel's Conservatives After Poll Victory Angela Merkel's conservatives won Sunday's state elections in Saarland by a surprisingly large margin. But the Free Democrats, their junior coalition partner in Berlin, were resoundingly punished by voters, securing just over 1 percent of the vote. The real winners were the upstart Pirate Party, who will now enter the state parliament after getting over 7 percent. |
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Shift to Low-Cost Countries
Internal GM Plan Foresees Plant Closures in Europe An internal General Motors strategy paper reveals that the US automaker wants to close its plants in Western Europe and transfer production to low-cost countries. The document means that the future looks bleak for Opel's plant in Bochum and Vauxhall's factory in Ellesmere Port. |
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Row Over Prisoner Transfer
Taliban Suspend Talks With the US The Taliban have suspended planned secret talks with the US in Qatar to prepare the ground for peace negotiations. They say the atmosphere has been poisoned by the Koran burnings and the massacre committed by a US soldier, and ave accused the US of failing to keep a promise to transfer five Guantanamo to Qatari custody. |
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The World from Berlin
Pirates Could Take Over From 'Frumpy, Jaded FDP' The success of the Pirate Party in Sunday's election in Saarland shows it will be a force to be reckoned with in coming elections, say German commentators. Angela Merkel will be able to draw some relief from the victory of her CDU in the state -- but her coalition partner, the FDP, sank further towards oblivion. |
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Belfast Commemorates Titanic
Disaster Ship Remembered in City that Built It A striking new museum opens this week in Belfast, the birthplace of the ill-fated Titanic luxury ship. Opening a century after the cruise ship slammed into an iceberg, killing 1,500, the exhibition recalls a tragedy which was long taboo in Northern Ireland's former industrial hub. |
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Hair Product for 'Real Men'
Turkish TV Ad Features Hitler to Sell Shampoo A Turkish TV commercial has sparked international criticism for featuring Adolf Hitler to praise the virtues of a "hundred percent men's shampoo." Critics have called it "repulsive," but it follows a controversial trend among firms to sell their wares with supposedly humorous references to Hitler and the Nazi era. |
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Picture This
Guiding Light |
