Merkel’s Answer to Populist Challenge: Shift to the Left
Germany’s conservative party leader calls for a focus on pay, pensions and housing.
Nick Ottens
Nick Ottens is a public affairs officer for the Dutch Animal Coalition and a board member for Liberal Green, the sustainability network of the Dutch liberal party VVD. He is a former political risk consultant and a former research manager for XPRIZE, where he designed prize competitions to incentivize breakthrough innovation in agriculture, food and health care. He has also worked as a journalist in Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York for EUobserver, NRC, Trouw, World Politics Review and Wynia’s Week, among others.
Spain to Suspend Catalan Home Rule After Independence Vote
The unprecedented step follows an independence referendum in the region Spain considered illegal.
Trump Doesn’t Deserve Credit for Defeating the Islamic State
Barack Obama’s strategy — not Donald Trump’s bluster — is wiping out the Islamists.
Theresa May Repeats Alexis Tsipras’ Mistake
The British prime minister is trying to go over the bureaucrats’ heads.
Italian Right Makes Pact for Prime Ministership
Leaders agree that whoever wins the most votes will become prime minister of a coalition government.
Other Conservatives Should Be Wary of Imitating Kurz
Most don’t have the Austrian’s luxury of being able to tack to the right without losing support in the center.
To Trump’s Mind, A Good Deal Means Somebody Else Loses
The president’s cartoonish view of making deals is hurting American foreign policy.
Italian Voting Reforms Could Have Little Impact on Balance Between Parties
The left, right and populist Five Star Movement would remain roughly equal in size.
Brexit and Trump as Reactionary Fantasies
A confident, intelligent conservatism has been reduced to nihilist, mindless reaction.
Trump Drives European Allies into Arms of China and Russia
All oppose the American’s efforts to sabotage the Iran nuclear deal.
Trump Leaves Iran Nuclear Deal in Limbo
Trump refuses to certify Iran’s compliance, but he won’t cancel the agreement either.
Italian Lawmakers Back Electoral Reforms Which Hurt Populists
The new voting system could make it harder for the populist Five Star Movement to come to power.
Trump Declares War on Republicans. Will Republicans Fight Back?
Some are pushing back, but most Republicans fear they would lose a fight with the president.
Catalan Leader Steps Back from Brink, Satisfies No One
Separatists are disappointed Carles Puigdemont didn’t declare independence. Madrid remains on guard.
Highlights from Dutch Parties’ Coalition Agreement
The four parties plan to raise defense spending, cut taxes and relax labor laws.