Lowest Common Denominator

Germany still does not have a new government. The talks between Merkel's CDU/CSU Union and the social democrat SPD are stalling. In fact, the only real agreement seems to be on a a quota for women on corporate boards. But, the discussions about a minimum wage (the SPD wants €8.50);  mothers' pension (for mothers of children born before 1992); or the toll for foreigners on the Autobahn that the CSU wants are going nowhere. This weekend the CSU leader Horst Seehofer hinted at new election as an option. Only two things seem certain: this will be the longest time Germany has ever been without a new government; and the next government will likely be one based on the lowest common denominator.

More Surveillance In Germany?

Snowden's revelations have shown the world that the US and British governments cannot be trusted. Additionally, it is very likely that many if not all allied intelligence services aided the NSA and GCHQ; and also used similar methods though likely on a smaller scale, which is probably much more of a funding issue than anything else. Some believed that there would be a change in thinking now. The current coalition talks in Germany show that this is the case, sadly in a very different direction than many expected.

Minimum Wage In Germany

Coalition negotiations between Merkel's CDU/CSU Union and the SPD will begin shortly. One of the major issues was the minimum wage of €8.50 per hour, that the SPD wants. Many German economists fear that jobs will be lost. They are right that this might be the case in the short term but in the long run they are absolutely wrong.

Savings Banks' Head Georg Fahrenschon Says Something About Low Interest Rates

Don't like the headline? Well, i don't like Mr. Fahrenschon's supposed insight. He was a CSU politician and Bavarian finance finance minister during 2007-2011; and therefore possibly one of the responsible parties in the BayernLB and the related Hypo Group Alpe Adria disaster, which has cost billions both for Bavaria and the savings banks he is now leading.