An apoplexy over apostrophes in Cambridge, England
A policy to remove apostrophes from signs in the learned English town has touched off a firestorm – and sent vigilante grammarians into the streets with markers in hand.
Sara Miller Llana
Mass DNA sweep in privacy-loving France: Why no backlash?
To identify a rapist, police have asked more than 500 men and boys at a school to give DNA evidence. So far, the French public seem supportive.
Lily-white workers wanted, says Dutch cleaning company
The company’s ‘whites only’ Facebook ad made headlines this week in the Netherlands, which has seen a rise in overt racism and xenophobia in recent years.
Can new French Prime Minister Valls beef up Hollande’s government?
France’s new prime minister has a reputation for strength and decisiveness, characteristics seen as lacking in President Hollande’s unpopular administration.
Moving day: Swedish town packs up to move 2 miles east
As the state-owned mining company drills deeper in northern Sweden, the earth underneath a small town is giving way. Instead of halting extraction, the town plans to move.
The Netherlands’ bid to trim its welfare state
One of Europe’s most comprehensive welfare states is trying to build a ‘participation society’ – asking people to do more to help each other before turning to the government for aid.
After deadly night in Ukraine, Europe weighs response
Officials across Europe condemn yesterday’s violence in Ukraine, and are set to consider sanctions against the Ukrainian government.
‘Slippery slope?’ Belgium moves to extend euthanasia rights to children
While Belgium already allows the “right to die,” a new bill that removes age restrictions has set off intense debate.
Hold the scandal. Here’s Hollande’s remedy for France’s ailing economy
Brushing aside revelations about his personal life, President François Hollande has unveiled a reform package that includes corporate tax breaks and cuts to public spending.
Mali, one year later: France’s mission accomplished — but much left to do
France’s military efforts against Mali’s Islamic rebels are widely regarded as successful, both in Paris and Bamako. But Mali remains mired in polarization, poverty, and corruption.
Anti-Semitic or not, ‘quenelle’ gesture shows bigger issues in France
President Hollande today called for cities to cancel shows by comedian Dieudonné, who popularized the quenelle gesture that many say is anti-Semitic.
At long last, Angela Merkel is sworn in as German chancellor
She is Germany’s most popular politician, and won a resounding electoral victory in September. So why did it take so long for Merkel to form a government?
Lots of guns, little violence: Shooting highlights armed but peaceful Iceland
Until Monday, when cops killed a man in a Reykjavik suburb, Iceland’s police had never fired a shot during an operation – despite roughly a third of Icelanders owning guns.
As protests boil, EU keeps arms open to Ukraine
Kiev rejected closer ties to the EU last month. But many say the intensity of pro-EU demonstrations show that Brussels should not give up on Ukraine.
Teach on Wednesdays? C’est un scandale!
Teachers in France are on strike against a longer academic week that includes classes on Wednesdays – a controversy a bit puzzling to the Monitor’s Paris bureau chief.
Will Typhoon Haiyan spur progress at UN climate talks?
The unfolding tragedy in the Philippines may keep UN climate talks, the latest round of which began this week in Warsaw, from getting bogged down in national concerns.
French exceptionalism? Why France scuttled Iran nuclear agreement
Foreign Minister Fabius said France won’t accept a ‘sucker’s deal’ on Iran’s nuclear program, raising questions about its relationship with Iran.
Journalist murders prompt French to ask: How long will we be in Mali?
A few days after celebrating the release of four hostages seized in Niger, France – and its president – are now mourning two journalists killed by militants in Mali.
Will French hostages’ freedom boost unpopular Hollande?
The French president is seeing record-low popularity, but may get a respite with today’s release of four hostages kidnapped by an Al Qaeda-linked group in Niger three years ago.
The ‘adopted’ girl in the Greek Roma camp: Mystery drives hopes, fears of backlash
Police took ‘Maria’ during a raid of Roma camp. Parents of abducted children are watching the case with interest, though some Roma warn against rushing to judge their embattled community.