Communism dead and buried in Germany

Christian Klar the most notorious left wing terrorist is to be released from jail after serving 26 years of multiple life terms. Klar was the leader of the so called Red Army faction (RAF) which was a terrorist organisation during the the 1970's in West Germany. They claimed coutless lives including prominent businesmen, and certain politicans. In 1985 Klar was found guilty on 9 counts of murder and 11 of attempted murder. The german Court has today overlooked these ccrimes and claim that he is no lonegr a threat to society.
This is a clear case of Germany not fearing communism any longer. East and West germany are unified and it seems that today these radical factions can no longer exist and will not be supported by the East. Germany has come a long way and today both sides seem to have embraced liberal democratic values and the capitalist mechanism. Realising Klar, proves that the cold war is dead and buried and a distant memory the 'German' psyche.

A.B.P

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,592339,00.html

The cafes of despair

For those of you who've never been to France, you can probably nevertheless imagine the social importance and pleasure of the individual cafe/bistro--quick coffee in the morning, steak and pommes frites for lunch, a kir after work, etc. They can be really wonderful institutions--or sometimes a bit seedy, but still there's the charm--and perhaps not surprisingly, they are suffering these days. Tant pis.

M.A.



http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/world/europe/23cafe.html?_r=1&em

The socialist rift

Following Lauras article a new problem has come to light in the French political spectrum. The French Socialists have come into grave conflict with one another. They seem to be lacking any form of direction and more importantly have no unifying factor with which to defeat President Sarkozy. This comes afer this weekends Socialist congress where no clear President of the Party has been elected.
Segolene Royale faces mounting pressure from Martine Aubry who believes in the old values of the French Socialists. Before they can even begin thinking about fighting Sarkozy they will have to stop fighting each other.
Sarko's reforms at home are unchallenged and his international persona is a force to be reckoned with abroad. Should The Socialists throw in the towel nice and early before they are completely humiliated by Sarko?

A.B.P

The Obama Effect?

Pierre Gahane is not the first black prefect France has had, but he is the first prefect who is not "French" (Cameronian origin), and can be considered "young" (43 years-old). Does he remind you of anyone perhaps? Barack Obama...
The French media is running wild with his appoint as prefect of Alpes de Hautes-Provence. Call it the Obama effect or whatever you want. Gahane asserts that a persons abilities is what takes him or her to the top.

http://fr.news.yahoo.com/3/20081112/tpl-diversite-prefet-noir-nomination-cfb2994.html

Laura Kim

Party Politics

Rumors are circulating amidst an already (and perhaps always fragile) Socialist Party that Segolene Royal is considering to succeed Francois Hollande, her former partner, as the first secretary of the Socialist party. The day before however, "Le Monde" reported that Royal had aspirations of heading the Socialist Party. From my personal opinion, it is more of viable that Royal is eyeing to be the leader of the Socialist Party than a Secretary.
I have little doubt that Royale is about to give up her presidential bid anytime soon. Afterall, she still has a pretty good chance given it takes several tries to get elected president in France. Besides the fact the rumors circulating around appears to be caused by gossip mags wanting a juicy story of portraying Royal as the scorned-woman.

http://fr.news.yahoo.com/3/20081112/tpl-ps-congres-peillon-cfb2994.html

Laura Kim

France once again eco friendly

Yves Cochet and Martine Billard members of the Green Party have proposed a law which will ban heat lamps and other energy guzzling appliances from terraces of French cafes and restaurants. If is too cold then sit inside!! It is probable that the law will be passed to the horror of the owners of these establishments. This may not seem significant but once again it proves Frances determination to be eco-conscious and shows how there legislation can pass laws which not only increase or decrease tax but also fight climate change. Similar bans are also being talked about on the Union level which again would put France ahead of the pack if this law passes.



http://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2008/11/07/01016-20081107ARTFIG00424-une-proposition-de-loi-contre-les-terrasses-chauffees-.php


A.B.P