| SPIEGEL ONLINE | INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER |
| Compiled on December 24, 2012, 02:47 PM CET |
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A Dose of Its Own Medicine
Schäuble's Secret Austerity Plan for Germany The German government and opposition are pledging higher benefits for pensioners, families and the long-term unemployed ahead of elections next year, but Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble is secretly planning cutbacks to prepare for a weakening economy and possible fallout from the euro crisis. |
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Who Is François Hollande?
Crisis Will Reveal French President's True Contours Is French President François Hollande a reformer or a leftist? He's a man who enjoys his role as France's leader, but many voters are asking themselves who it is they actually elected. He is a staunch opponent of Angela Merkel's austerity measures and has made combatting them a priority. His true political agenda may only become apparent as the euro crisis continues. |
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'Straight Out of a Western Film'
European Bison Return to Wild in Germany For the first time since the 18th century, the European bison is returning to Germany to live in the wild. The wisent, as it is also known, has been brought to the country by a famous prince. Although the creatures' survival is uncertain, the project has already attracted considerable attention. |
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Big Gift to Big Business
Berlin to Exempt 1,550 Firms From Electricity Surcharge Germany plans to exempt 1,550 large firms from a power price surcharge that covers part of the cost of switching to renewable energy. Critics say the list of exemptions is spurious and unfair to households and small businesses. It risks undermining faith in the government's switch to clean power. |
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Holiday Publishing Schedule
A Note to Our Readers Tuesday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Dec. 26, are national holidays in Germany. SPIEGEL ONLINE International will not be updated, but we will return with a limited holiday publishing schedule on Thursday, Dec. 27. |
