German Politicians, Public Strongly Against Eurobonds
Merkel insists that it “makes no sense” to jointly issue sovereign bonds in the eurozone.
Western Europe
British Recession Deepens, Pressure on Coalition Mounts
Conservatives cannot keep hiding behind their Liberal Democratic coalition partners.
Is Sarkozy’s Loss Poland’s Gain?
If France pushes Germany too much, the latter may turn to find a friend in Poland.
Hollande’s Fiscal Policy “Nonsense”: Austria
The policies favored by the French president “got us into this whole mess in the first place.”
Hollande, Merkel Face Fight Over Eurozone Bonds
The new French president could battle the German leader over the joint issuance of sovereign bonds.
G8 Leaders Prepare to Team Up on Germany’s Merkel
Other industrialized nations have grown weary of austerity. The German chancellor finds herself without allies at Camp David.
House of Lords Reform Threatens to Split Coalition
Liberal Democrats want an elected second chamber. Conservatives are critical of reform.
UK Independence Party Appeals to Right-Wing Voters
The Euroskeptic party’s support is growing. It might finally break through nationally.
Labour: America Shows Fiscal Stimulus Works
The British shadow chancellor urged more deficit spending because it’s supposedly been such a success in America.
Sarkozy’s Final Pitch: “We Don’t Want Socialism”
The French president calls his challenger’s economic plan one of “crazy overspending.”
In the Netherlands, Majority for Budget Deal
The conservative minority government reaches a budget deal with the opposition.
Dutch Government, Opposition in Budget Talks
Mark Rutte’s caretaker government seeks opposition support for its spending plan.
Doubts About Netherlands’ Credibility After Cabinet Resigns
The government’s collapse jeopardizes the Dutch austerity agenda.
Political Cowardice Wrecking Europe’s New Right
Europe’s conservatives and liberals haven’t dared make the philosophical argument for budget cuts and are losing because of it.
Hollande, Sarkozy Advance to Second Round
Incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy and his left-wing challenger, François Hollande, win the first round of France’s presidential election.