German Right Underestimates Alternative Challenge
As long as Angela Merkel’s party sticks to the center, there will be space for a party on the right.
Europe
Italy’s Renzi Wins Senate’s Backing for Labor Reforms
The prime minister clears one parliamentary hurdle, but must make haste.
Belgian Right-Wing Parties Close to Forming Government
Christian democrat, liberal and Flemish nationalist parties are expected to finalize a coalition deal.
British Party Leaders Speak to Core Voters at Conferences
The Conservative and Labour conferences were both aimed at shoring up traditional party bases.
In Bid to Divide Europe, Russia Expands “Gas War” to Slovakia
Seemingly bent on dividing Europe, Russia cuts natural gas supplies to one of its former satellite states.
Unwilling to Reform, France, Italy Miss Budget Targets
Slow to structurally overhaul their economies, France and Italy continue to miss their fiscal targets.
Staking Out Middle Ground, Cameron Promises Tax Relief
In his election speech, David Cameron promises his next government will cut taxes.
Britain’s Osborne to Freeze Benefits, Cut Pension Tax
A next Conservative government will freeze benefits for working age Britons and overhaul pensions.
French Socialists Lose Upper House Majority
It’s another setback for President François Hollande.
Conservative Party Defections Cast Cloud Over Conference
Rather than worry about the next election, Conservatives wonder who will be next to head over to UKIP.
Britain, Denmark Join Coalition Against Islamic State
The two NATO countries join the war in Iraq, but not in Syria.
Hysterical Conference Speech Shows Miliband Is Unfit to Lead
The Labour leader’s recriminations say more about his own delusions than the ruling Conservatives he attacks.
Sarkozy Laments France’s “Humiliation” Under Hollande
The former president says he has “no choice” but to return to politics given the desperate situation France is in.
Miliband Won’t Link Scottish Devolution to English Autonomy
Labour rejects David Cameron’s proposal to give England and Scotland more autonomy at the same time.
Ukraine, Separatists Agree to Ceasefire, Buffer Zone
Ukraine agrees to a truce with pro-Russian separatists, but fighting continues in Donetsk and Mariupol.