Berlusconi to Resign? Be Careful What You Wish For
The besieged prime minister could leave Rome in turmoil if he leaves Italian politics.
Europe
More Tax Increases in France to Balance Budget
The conservative prime minister, François Fillon, unveils another €7 billion worth of austerity measures.
European Southern Gas Corridor Shifts Focus
Azerbaijan has to decide whether to exploit the Nabucco route or deliver to the countries of southeastern Europe.
Greek, Italian Leaders Under Pressure to Go
George Papandreou and Silvio Berlusconi are urged to resign by parliamentarians ahead of a G20 summit.
Greece Calls Referendum on Bailout Plan
“We trust citizens, we believe in their judgment,” said Prime Minister Papandreou. Many of his countrymen oppose the bailout.
Europe’s “Comprehensive” Plan Raises More Questions
The process is a gamble on how long the eurozone can afford to muddle through.
Bank Recapitalization Will Make Euro Crisis Worse
Recapitalizing banks after they bought worthless Greek debt when they should have known better isn’t just wrong; it won’t work.
Italian Government Divided Over Budget Cuts
Silvio Berlusconi’s coalition partners are opposed to the reforms other European leaders demand.
European Leaders Plan for Partial Greek Default
As Greece struggles to mend its deficit, eurozone countries debate whether to help banks in the event of a default.
Liam Fox Successor Faces Fiscal Challenges
The new defense minister may be the man to finally take control of the department’s finances.
French Socialists Elect Presidential Candidate
Former party boss François Hollande will run against President Nicolas Sarkozy.
Slovak Coalition Collapses After EU Bailout Vote
The ruling right-wing coalition agrees to early elections in exchange for support on its European policy.
Bank Bailout Invites Scrutiny of Belgian Credit Risk
The partial nationalization of a Franco-Belgian investment bank confounds the financial difficulties of the Belgian state.
Aubry, Hollande Face Off in French Primary Contest
Former party boss François Hollande faces his successor, Martine Aubry, in the presidential primary.
Britain’s Labour Party Living in the Past
Ed Miliband claims to represent “new politics” but his class rhetoric suggests otherwise.