Now that the German elections are over, Germany and France will
launch a great initiative to save the European project. Marking the
centennial of 1914 and World War I,
this will contrast favorably with the weak and confused leadership
under which Europe stumbled 100 years ago. Before the May elections to
the European Union
Parliament, the Franco-German duo's decisive action and inspiring
oratory will drive back the anti-EU parties that are gaining ground in
so many European countries.
In your dreams, Mr. and Ms. Pro-European Union. A new German government won't be formed until just before Christmas. In the German coalition negotiations, European affairs are being handled by — wait for it — a subgroup of the working group on finance. For the three participating parties — Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, the Bavarian Christian Social Union and the opposition Social Democrats — the hot-button issues are all domestic: the minimum wage, energy policy, dual citizenship, a proposed road toll; these things count for more than the future of the continent.
The trouble with grand coalitions is that because mainstream, centrist parties are burdened with the responsibility of government, the field of opposition is left wide open for the protest parties. On the other hand, if the anti-parties succeed at the polls, it could at last mobilize a younger generation of Europeans to defend achievements they take for granted.
It won't be 1914, but 100 years on, Europe will again be living in interesting times.
Note EU-Digest: always great pessimism about Europe from our "Anglo-Saxon Partners" .
Read more: Is Europe headed for divorce? - latimes.com
In your dreams, Mr. and Ms. Pro-European Union. A new German government won't be formed until just before Christmas. In the German coalition negotiations, European affairs are being handled by — wait for it — a subgroup of the working group on finance. For the three participating parties — Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, the Bavarian Christian Social Union and the opposition Social Democrats — the hot-button issues are all domestic: the minimum wage, energy policy, dual citizenship, a proposed road toll; these things count for more than the future of the continent.
The trouble with grand coalitions is that because mainstream, centrist parties are burdened with the responsibility of government, the field of opposition is left wide open for the protest parties. On the other hand, if the anti-parties succeed at the polls, it could at last mobilize a younger generation of Europeans to defend achievements they take for granted.
It won't be 1914, but 100 years on, Europe will again be living in interesting times.
Note EU-Digest: always great pessimism about Europe from our "Anglo-Saxon Partners" .
Read more: Is Europe headed for divorce? - latimes.com
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