MUNICH | By Stefan Kornelius at Süddeutsche Zeitung via Presseurop | The German elections are triggering a fascinating and unprecedented level of anticipation abroad. For Germany’s parties and voters, their country’s role and influence in Europe is so apparent that the issue is not a key battleground in the campaign.
MADRID | By Francisco López | Mark your calendars. For the first time in quite some time two major events for the future of markets and EU’s banking union are taking place in less than a month: the Fed’s meeting next Wednesday and the German elections on September 22. Is the tapering starting and by how much? Will Angela Merkel have to find a new political partner?
MADRID / FRANKFURT | By Tania Suárez and Lidia Conde | Practically all eyes are on the German elections of September 22 since apparently the future of all Europe lies on those results. However, German political parties have dodged the issue of the economic crisis in order to sell an image of an almighty Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel represents the perfect German: an ordinary, accessible, hardworking woman concerned about her country. The perfect candidate for Germany… or not.
PARIS | By Thibaut Madelin at Les Echos via Presseurop | Among the – rare – unknowns of the September 22 elections is the eventual tally for the Alternative für Deutschland. The Eurosceptic party targets older and more conservative voters, one of the traditional bases of the electorate of the outgoing Chancellor.
FRANKFURT | By Holger Schmale via Presseurop | Out on the campaign trail, the Chancellor has been stressing the track record of her government. It’s a strategy that she hopes will keep her above the political debate and steer her away from controversy. Excerpts.
MILAN| By Fabrizio Goria via Presseurop | Although German Chancellor Angela Merkel seems assured of victory, the German elections will be revelatory. The results should bring answers to a number of open questions concerning the future of the economy and of European institutions.
STRASBOURG | By EP Press Department | The European Parliament currently boasts 754 MEPs but this will be increased to 766 once Croatia joins in July. After next year’s elections, this number will have be reduced to 751.
BANGALORE | By Srikanth Vasuraj | 2014 is when over a billion people in the world’s largest democracy will vote to elect their next government. Who is it going to be this time? What surprises will the voters throw up?
MADRID | Ignoring that Italians have given support to political programmes contrary to current austerity policies would be a temerity.
MADRID | In Italy, as in other southern eurozone countries, citizens cannot believe there will be light at the end of the austerity tunnel.