Deutsch: 45. Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz 2009: Der französische Präsident Nicolas Sarkozy beim gemeinsamen Pressestatement. English: 45th Munich Security Conference 2009: The President of the French Republik, Nicolas Sarkozy (ri), Federal Chancellor, Germany at the press statement. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
by BINOY KAMPMARK
Europe is, economically speaking, in dire straits, and the two most powerful economies on the continent are, at least on paper, led by individuals with considerable differences. The previous French President Nicolas Sarkozy was not merely regarded as a man of austerity but a man Chancellor Angela Merkel could do business with. The Sarkozy-Merkel imprint marks the entire bailout strategy that is now being employed against the Greeks. It is a model that has ushered in technocratic governments whose loyalties lie less to the citizen than the budget. Balancing accounts and paying creditors is considered the noble thing to do. Sovereign interests, at least for those with empty wallets, come second.
Greek efforts to form a government have so far failed, and the Germans are getting agitated. High up on the list of points that have been discussed between the freshly elected François Hollande and Merkel in their first meeting in Berlin is seeking a unified stance on rectifying the problem. The issue is how far Merkel will budge, and how far Hollande is happy to yield to Berlin’s hardline approach on such matters as the fiscal compact
full article at source: http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/05/16/the-prospects-for-european-disunion/
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In a crisis it usually is everyone for themselves. The EU will tear itself apart as its participants look to self preservation over unity. Every politician starts paying attention if the people are going against them, since in democracy unpopular politicians lose office in elections.