Jan 7, 2017, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel:
Germany’s insistence on austerity in the euro zone has left Europe more divided than ever and a break-up of the European Union is no longer inconceivable, German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel told Der Spiegel magazine. (emphasis added)
Gabriel, whose Social Democrats (SPD) are junior partner to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives in her ruling grand coalition, said strenuous efforts by countries like France and Italy to reduce their fiscal deficits came with political risks.
“I once asked the chancellor, what would be more costly for Germany: for France to be allowed to have half a percentage point more deficit, or for Marine Le Pen to become president?” he said, referring to the leader of the far-right National Front.
“Until today, she still owes me an answer,” added Gabriel…..
Is that because Merkel has suddenly realized that there are greater threats elsewhere?
Dec 31, 2016:, German Chancellor Angela Merkel:
Islamist terrorism is the biggest challenge facing Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel has said in her New Year message.