| SPIEGEL ONLINE | INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER |
| Compiled on May 04, 2012, 06:34 PM CET |
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Millions Left Behind in Boom
The High Cost of Germany's Economic Success Countries around the world envy Germany's economic success and look up to it as a role model. But a closer look reveals a much bleaker picture. Only a few are benefiting from the boom, while stagnant wages and precarious employment conditions are making it difficult for millions to make ends meet. By SPIEGEL Staff |
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Three Key Elections
Super Sunday Poses Multiple Threats to Merkel It could be an uncomfortable weekend for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with three crunch votes taking place on Sunday. Elections in Greece and France could torpedo her strategy to solve the euro crisis if voters reject pro-austerity candidates, while a state election in Germany may weaken her conservatives domestically. |
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Greece's Dilemma
When the Only Real Choice Is Protest Greeks will be going to the polls on Sunday, but their options are fairly grim. They can choose between the old political hands who drove the country to the brink or others making attractive but unreasonable pledges. The strongest force in the country is now disenchantment, and most votes will be ones of protest. |
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The World from Berlin
'Hollande's Euro Strategy Will End in Disaster' 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. |
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Football Tournament Spat
Ukraine Warns Berlin of Economic Consequences A top official in President Viktor Yanukovych's party has warned Germany of economic consequences should Berlin continue to pressure Ukraine over the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Western politicians, the official said, seem to have taken the case personally. |
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Reluctant Replacement
Tymoshenko's Daughter Leads Fight for Her Freedom As Yulia Tymoshenko sits in prison, many view her daughter as an ideal replacement to lead Ukraine's embattled opposition. Although she has long shied away from politics, 32-year-old Yevhenia has now embraced her role as the standard-bearer in the fight to free her mother. |
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Ambassadors Ignored
German Foreign Ministry Fights to Stay Relevant 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. |
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(In)Direct Democracy
Giving People a Say in the European Union The European Union recently launched its brand new citizens' initiative program and already there are several groups busily gathering signatures across the Continent. While the move is a bold experiment in direct democracy, many say it is too cumbersome to work. |
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The Insufferable Arjen Robben
Bayern Munich Can't Quit Its Dutch Diva With his enormous ego and bad attitude, footballer Arjen Robben is an imposition for Bayern Munich's fans and players. But the Dutchman is undeniably talented, and will be sticking around until at least 2015 after renewing his contract with the German league's powerhouse club this week. |
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Backlash against Consumerism
Handicraft Sites Turn Hobbies into Big Business Internet companies like Etsy and Germany's DaWanda are helping to promote a renaissance in handicrafts in Europe and around the world. The firms provide platforms that enable individual artisans to sell their wares on the web in a growing market niche. And business is booming, as both companies expand internationally and venture capitalists make new investments. |
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Chicks Check In
Ducklings Hatch in Luxury Berlin Hotel Berlin's five-star Hotel de Rome recently welcomed an unusual guest: a duck who chose the balcony of a luxury suite as the location for her nest. Now five chicks have hatched in a potted lavender plant -- and hotel staff are finding it hard to let go. |
