Tacitus
5 Apr 2018
News / Officials in Poland are hailing an upcoming visit by Donald Trump [720]
Trump is anything but "moderate".
but a moderate nationalist populist like Sanders or Trump.
Trump is anything but "moderate".
Tacitus
3 Apr 2018
Law / Weapons laws in Poland. Carrying a concealed handgun? [918]
And here I thought that Americans needing a gun to receive validation as a man was just a silly stereotype.... .
And here I thought that Americans needing a gun to receive validation as a man was just a silly stereotype.... .
Tacitus
3 Apr 2018
Law / Weapons laws in Poland. Carrying a concealed handgun? [918]
That just goes to show you that strict gun laws and low gun ownserhip is better at preventing fire arm related deaths than merely strict gun control.
That being said, strict gun control is better than nothing.
That just goes to show you that strict gun laws and low gun ownserhip is better at preventing fire arm related deaths than merely strict gun control.
That being said, strict gun control is better than nothing.
Tacitus
3 Apr 2018
History / What should Russia and Poland do to become if not friends, then at least not enemies? [934]
You mean the one before the last one?
One can criticize a lot about Obama, but it is obvious that he is a highly intelligent man. Bush Jr. on the other hand... .
You mean the one before the last one?
One can criticize a lot about Obama, but it is obvious that he is a highly intelligent man. Bush Jr. on the other hand... .
Tacitus
3 Apr 2018
History / What should Russia and Poland do to become if not friends, then at least not enemies? [934]
Besides, as the current president clearly demonstrates, you don't need intelligence to convince others to follow you.
Besides, as the current president clearly demonstrates, you don't need intelligence to convince others to follow you.
Tacitus
24 Mar 2018
News / Officials in Poland are hailing an upcoming visit by Donald Trump [720]
One of the many things I do not understand about Trump is his fiscal policy. He has inherited a growing economy, yet intents to vastly increase the debts of the USA. Some people claim tha the democrats like to spend money, but the last two democratic presidents (Clinton and Obama, who inherited an economic crisis from Bush) showed financial restrain while repairing the economy. Bush and Trump however, who inherited a good economy, are piling up debts... .
One of the many things I do not understand about Trump is his fiscal policy. He has inherited a growing economy, yet intents to vastly increase the debts of the USA. Some people claim tha the democrats like to spend money, but the last two democratic presidents (Clinton and Obama, who inherited an economic crisis from Bush) showed financial restrain while repairing the economy. Bush and Trump however, who inherited a good economy, are piling up debts... .
Tacitus
24 Mar 2018
News / Officials in Poland are hailing an upcoming visit by Donald Trump [720]
You make this sound as if that is just a minor distinction. You can argue that the war in Afghanistan was justified, but also extremely costly. The Iraq war however was an complete and utter disaster, on every level. Nothing Obama did comes even close to this.
Obama was an intellectual giant compared to Bush. It is just so painful to read reports on what Bush knew about the ME and how he got convinced by his advisors that the USA could export democracy to the entire ME. I am not a fan of Obama mind you, he was a mediocre president at best, but history will probably regard him more fondly than he deserves, because he a) did not cause a major scr*w-up like Bush, and looks like a saint compared to his successor. Hopefully not being completely moronic will not become the bar for being a good president after Trump.
sure Obama didn't start the wars
You make this sound as if that is just a minor distinction. You can argue that the war in Afghanistan was justified, but also extremely costly. The Iraq war however was an complete and utter disaster, on every level. Nothing Obama did comes even close to this.
Jesus he couldn't even speak his mind without teleprompter.
Obama was an intellectual giant compared to Bush. It is just so painful to read reports on what Bush knew about the ME and how he got convinced by his advisors that the USA could export democracy to the entire ME. I am not a fan of Obama mind you, he was a mediocre president at best, but history will probably regard him more fondly than he deserves, because he a) did not cause a major scr*w-up like Bush, and looks like a saint compared to his successor. Hopefully not being completely moronic will not become the bar for being a good president after Trump.
Tacitus
23 Mar 2018
News / Officials in Poland are hailing an upcoming visit by Donald Trump [720]
I hope you are kidding here. Bush Jr. easily beats him in his century alone. Nothing Obama did comes close to the two catastrophic wars Bush unleashed in his tenure which aftereffects we still feel now.
. I view Obama as the worst President in our nations history now.
I hope you are kidding here. Bush Jr. easily beats him in his century alone. Nothing Obama did comes close to the two catastrophic wars Bush unleashed in his tenure which aftereffects we still feel now.
Tacitus
23 Mar 2018
Genealogy / Slavs are descendants of Sarmatians? [600]
Stop making stuff up, can you cite any respected historians who believe in those theories?
I am sure you do not, because those views have been thoroughly debunked in the last 50 years.
The times when historians took a few quotes from ancient sources and constructed ethnic identities from them are thankfully over, they are now more interested in actual factual research and what they can actually prove.
. all supported by archeology, linguistics and genetics.
Stop making stuff up, can you cite any respected historians who believe in those theories?
I am sure you do not, because those views have been thoroughly debunked in the last 50 years.
The times when historians took a few quotes from ancient sources and constructed ethnic identities from them are thankfully over, they are now more interested in actual factual research and what they can actually prove.
Tacitus
23 Mar 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
I hope you don't really believe this. Jews faced the same hardships as other Poles (since they were Poles before) while already being widely discriminated before 1841 and denied most civil services.
@G (undercover)
Interesting how this thread confirms the stereotype that antisemtism is still prevalent in Poland. T
I hope you don't really believe this. Jews faced the same hardships as other Poles (since they were Poles before) while already being widely discriminated before 1841 and denied most civil services.
@G (undercover)
Jews as a whole don't really have a good record in regard to WW2.
Interesting how this thread confirms the stereotype that antisemtism is still prevalent in Poland. T
Tacitus
22 Mar 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
Because Polish people were not necessarily in the same position as their Jewish citizens. If you were in a Ghetto or KZ collaborating with the Nazis might be one of the few ways you thought you could survive. I would never pass judgement on someone like this since no one could with certainty claim that given the situation, he would have reacted differently. Besides most of them were later killed anyway.
Most Szmalcowce did not have this excuse.
Because Polish people were not necessarily in the same position as their Jewish citizens. If you were in a Ghetto or KZ collaborating with the Nazis might be one of the few ways you thought you could survive. I would never pass judgement on someone like this since no one could with certainty claim that given the situation, he would have reacted differently. Besides most of them were later killed anyway.
Most Szmalcowce did not have this excuse.
Tacitus
22 Mar 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
You do realize that their is a moral difference between someone betraying his neighbours to the Nazis because of the reward, and someone who lives in a Ghetto/KZ and helps the Nazis because it might help him survive longer?
No one can seriously argue that the latter has morally compromised himself, while the latter is thoroughly despicable.
You do realize that their is a moral difference between someone betraying his neighbours to the Nazis because of the reward, and someone who lives in a Ghetto/KZ and helps the Nazis because it might help him survive longer?
No one can seriously argue that the latter has morally compromised himself, while the latter is thoroughly despicable.
Tacitus
22 Mar 2018
News / Israel opposing potential new Polish law to criminalise term 'Polish death camps' [1538]
That could be problematic though, given that most offenses (excluding e.g. murder) have probably fallen under the statute of limitation.
@Lyzko
Which is a good thing, because it leaves room for an academic discussion on a very sensitive topic. Even today historians still disagree on how much responsibility Austrians bear for the Anschluss and its' consequences. The Nazis managed to get their supporters in high positions before 1938 and used them well, but there is a lot of evdence that the majority of the Austrians might not have been in favour of it, if given a choice. Hitler after all was desperate to prevent a plebiscite on the matter.
That could be problematic though, given that most offenses (excluding e.g. murder) have probably fallen under the statute of limitation.
@Lyzko
Again, the critical difference here is that pointing out Austrian complicity wasn't a punishable offense.
Which is a good thing, because it leaves room for an academic discussion on a very sensitive topic. Even today historians still disagree on how much responsibility Austrians bear for the Anschluss and its' consequences. The Nazis managed to get their supporters in high positions before 1938 and used them well, but there is a lot of evdence that the majority of the Austrians might not have been in favour of it, if given a choice. Hitler after all was desperate to prevent a plebiscite on the matter.
Tacitus
19 Mar 2018
History / What should Russia and Poland do to become if not friends, then at least not enemies? [934]
Bit he did not talk about the Serbs in WWII here, and the fact that he furthermore compares the victims of Serbian agressions to the Nazis is just as outrageous. If I was Polish I would be furious about such comparisons.
Bit he did not talk about the Serbs in WWII here, and the fact that he furthermore compares the victims of Serbian agressions to the Nazis is just as outrageous. If I was Polish I would be furious about such comparisons.
Tacitus
19 Mar 2018
History / What should Russia and Poland do to become if not friends, then at least not enemies? [934]
You have really no shame, that you attempt to compare the genocidal Serbs with the Polish victims on a Polish forum. That is all I am going to say about this.
Absolutely same. 100% absolute valid comparison.
You have really no shame, that you attempt to compare the genocidal Serbs with the Polish victims on a Polish forum. That is all I am going to say about this.
Tacitus
18 Mar 2018
History / What should Russia and Poland do to become if not friends, then at least not enemies? [934]
The result was the crushing of the genocidal ambitions of the Serbs and the restoration of order and peace in the Balkans. While not perfect, it is a good solution considering we are talking about the Balkans here.
The result was the crushing of the genocidal ambitions of the Serbs and the restoration of order and peace in the Balkans. While not perfect, it is a good solution considering we are talking about the Balkans here.
Tacitus
18 Mar 2018
History / What should Russia and Poland do to become if not friends, then at least not enemies? [934]
@gregy741
The one in Yugoslavia went very well.
@gregy741
is there any US or NATO intervention that didn't go wrong?
The one in Yugoslavia went very well.
Tacitus
17 Mar 2018
History / How come Poles like Russians but not Germans? [216]
Your rants would be more entertaining to read if your mind was not restricted to using sex metaphers and allegories... .
Your rants would be more entertaining to read if your mind was not restricted to using sex metaphers and allegories... .
Tacitus
14 Mar 2018
News / Goodbye Sunday Shopping in Poland - Hello Electoral Reform [246]
Please just educate yourself about the applications of the Maastricht criterias before you continue to demonstrate your ignorance... .
Your attempts to link them to Polish own failures are as clumsy as they are wrong.
Not only are the Maastricht criterias more flexible in their application, they are something entirely different from the rules that Poland is breaking.
Please just educate yourself about the applications of the Maastricht criterias before you continue to demonstrate your ignorance... .
Your attempts to link them to Polish own failures are as clumsy as they are wrong.
Not only are the Maastricht criterias more flexible in their application, they are something entirely different from the rules that Poland is breaking.
Tacitus
14 Mar 2018
News / Goodbye Sunday Shopping in Poland - Hello Electoral Reform [246]
Poland can't be compared to other EU countries (at least not Western European countries) since it is not as developed as them. The fact that Poland is racking up a high deficite despite great economic growth is worrying, especially since the demographic outlook of Poland is particulary bleak. Western Europeans have acquired more personal wealth, and are thus more capable to bear the consequences of the demographic decline, but this is not yet the case in Poland. Either the current or next government will have to reduce the budget deficite.
Said debt requirement only affects the Euro members, not the EU.
Again, there is mechanism to kich out any Euro member, nor is it possible to kick a country out of the EU. A country can only voluntarily leave the EU, it can not be forced out.
bbc.com/news/business-15575751
Compared to other EU nations, its nothing
Poland can't be compared to other EU countries (at least not Western European countries) since it is not as developed as them. The fact that Poland is racking up a high deficite despite great economic growth is worrying, especially since the demographic outlook of Poland is particulary bleak. Western Europeans have acquired more personal wealth, and are thus more capable to bear the consequences of the demographic decline, but this is not yet the case in Poland. Either the current or next government will have to reduce the budget deficite.
EU if they actually enforced the debt to gdp requirements.
Said debt requirement only affects the Euro members, not the EU.
Perhaps we should kick Germany, Greece,
Again, there is mechanism to kich out any Euro member, nor is it possible to kick a country out of the EU. A country can only voluntarily leave the EU, it can not be forced out.
bbc.com/news/business-15575751
Tacitus
14 Mar 2018
History / How come Poles like Russians but not Germans? [216]
This is related to the rapid economic development of the Ruhr Valley in the 19th century, when cities like Essen (my hometown) experienced an incredible population increase and immigration from other parts of Germany and beyond. The Ruhr Valley was very attractive for Polish people, since it offered jobs without the discrimination they faced in e.g. Russia.
Many families of Polish descent in that region date back to pre-WW1 times.
This is related to the rapid economic development of the Ruhr Valley in the 19th century, when cities like Essen (my hometown) experienced an incredible population increase and immigration from other parts of Germany and beyond. The Ruhr Valley was very attractive for Polish people, since it offered jobs without the discrimination they faced in e.g. Russia.
Tacitus
14 Mar 2018
News / Goodbye Sunday Shopping in Poland - Hello Electoral Reform [246]
I am not going to bother to correct all your false assumptions about inflation et al. since it is obvious that you have no idea of what you are talking about and simply use this to further your agenda. Though I give you credits for being inventive enough to create the assumption that Germany had economically stagnated last year.
It has actually a rather high annual budget deficite:
tradingeconomics.com/poland/government-budget
It only enforces laws that if can enforce, since the member states were (and still are) able to veto any sanctions, which they did in the past. Obviously that is detrimental to the whole process, and thus greater fiscal supervision will be granted to Bruessels with the next planned reforms.
The treaties to not include the possibility of forcing countries to leave the eurozone.
Yes, but Germany has been reducing its' deficite, while Poland is continuing to borrow money.
Poland is doing well, but it will take a lot more effort to catch up to Western Europe, and along the way, it will have to decide how to let all Polish people benefit from growth.
I am not going to bother to correct all your false assumptions about inflation et al. since it is obvious that you have no idea of what you are talking about and simply use this to further your agenda. Though I give you credits for being inventive enough to create the assumption that Germany had economically stagnated last year.
Polamd has no budget deficit,
It has actually a rather high annual budget deficite:
tradingeconomics.com/poland/government-budget
But eu only enforces laws it wants.
It only enforces laws that if can enforce, since the member states were (and still are) able to veto any sanctions, which they did in the past. Obviously that is detrimental to the whole process, and thus greater fiscal supervision will be granted to Bruessels with the next planned reforms.
enforced as written in the treaties a bunch of countries would be kicked out
The treaties to not include the possibility of forcing countries to leave the eurozone.
Germany is 68% debt to gdp polands is a lot lower.
Yes, but Germany has been reducing its' deficite, while Poland is continuing to borrow money.
Poland is growing faster than just about anyome in europe.
Poland is doing well, but it will take a lot more effort to catch up to Western Europe, and along the way, it will have to decide how to let all Polish people benefit from growth.
Tacitus
13 Mar 2018
News / Goodbye Sunday Shopping in Poland - Hello Electoral Reform [246]
I meant to say that if shops have longer opened, people will roughly spend the same amount of money, during the longer buisness hours.
a) Germany had less than 2% inflation, and few economists would argue that even 2% are "too high". What is worrysome though it Poland's growing debt, given its' future demographic problems and overall economic outlook. If a government still records a high deficte even in times of economic growth, that does bode poorly for the future.
Er..don't you mean over a shorter period of time?
I meant to say that if shops have longer opened, people will roughly spend the same amount of money, during the longer buisness hours.
nd even with 2% inflatio
a) Germany had less than 2% inflation, and few economists would argue that even 2% are "too high". What is worrysome though it Poland's growing debt, given its' future demographic problems and overall economic outlook. If a government still records a high deficte even in times of economic growth, that does bode poorly for the future.
Tacitus
13 Mar 2018
News / Goodbye Sunday Shopping in Poland - Hello Electoral Reform [246]
Inflation in Germany was in 2017 under 2%, indeed Poland had a higher inflation in the same time period.
inflation.eu/inflation-rates/germany/historic-inflation/cpi-inflation-germany-2017.aspx
tradingeconomics.com/poland/inflation-cpi
Besides, the fact that you continue to compare Poland's economic growth with that of Western Europe betrays your bias. Poland's economy is still developing compared to the saturated economies in Western Europe, and thus can achieve higher growth rate; in fact as delphie has pointed out, the distance might not even get closer because total growth might still be higher in the west. The important is now how Poland will be able to make sure that all citizens benefit from its' economic growth.
Regarding the topic of this thread, I can understand why many people are annoyed about these changes, but I can also understand why they are implemented. I have recently read a study that longer shopping times do not necessarily lead to an increase in total spending (because people usually know what they are going to buy, and how much they need), instead people are simply spending the same over a longer amount of time. While large companies can afford to pay their employees for the additional working times, smaller shops might find this difficult, since their profits do not necessarily increase. So this practice puts a lot of pressure on smaller shops.
It seems to me that we need to find a compromise regarding the shopping time, and to be honest I think that a ban on Sunday shopping could serve as a compromise. As long as you can shop 6 days a week, you ought to be able to get your shopping done in the allocated time.
Inflation in Germany was in 2017 under 2%, indeed Poland had a higher inflation in the same time period.
inflation.eu/inflation-rates/germany/historic-inflation/cpi-inflation-germany-2017.aspx
tradingeconomics.com/poland/inflation-cpi
Besides, the fact that you continue to compare Poland's economic growth with that of Western Europe betrays your bias. Poland's economy is still developing compared to the saturated economies in Western Europe, and thus can achieve higher growth rate; in fact as delphie has pointed out, the distance might not even get closer because total growth might still be higher in the west. The important is now how Poland will be able to make sure that all citizens benefit from its' economic growth.
Regarding the topic of this thread, I can understand why many people are annoyed about these changes, but I can also understand why they are implemented. I have recently read a study that longer shopping times do not necessarily lead to an increase in total spending (because people usually know what they are going to buy, and how much they need), instead people are simply spending the same over a longer amount of time. While large companies can afford to pay their employees for the additional working times, smaller shops might find this difficult, since their profits do not necessarily increase. So this practice puts a lot of pressure on smaller shops.
It seems to me that we need to find a compromise regarding the shopping time, and to be honest I think that a ban on Sunday shopping could serve as a compromise. As long as you can shop 6 days a week, you ought to be able to get your shopping done in the allocated time.
Tacitus
13 Mar 2018
News / Polish-German Reconcilliation Seminar [491]
Well the differences were rather big though. Probably as big as between Western Germany and the GDR in 1990 at the very least.
This is untrue on several levels. I have written this several times already and it is getting tiresome to repeat. The signed treaties (Warsaw 1970 and the border treaty 1991) have taken care of all eventualities, and Poland did in fact receive financial compensation as a consequence of the border treaty in 1991. There is zero basis for any Polish reparation claims, neither legally, nor morally. The issue is settled.
That is rather a moot point, more or less developed it depends on a point of view, we are not talking Kuwait here.
Well the differences were rather big though. Probably as big as between Western Germany and the GDR in 1990 at the very least.
Well, the point is there was no treaty that would nullify legality of the Polish claims for compensation they have never received.
This is untrue on several levels. I have written this several times already and it is getting tiresome to repeat. The signed treaties (Warsaw 1970 and the border treaty 1991) have taken care of all eventualities, and Poland did in fact receive financial compensation as a consequence of the border treaty in 1991. There is zero basis for any Polish reparation claims, neither legally, nor morally. The issue is settled.
Tacitus
13 Mar 2018
News / Polish-German Reconcilliation Seminar [491]
(West-) Germany recognized the border in 1970 in the name of West Germany, and 1991 in the name of a reunited Germany. 25 years is not really that much if you think about it, it usually takes a generation until such issues are settled.
Actually Germany hadn't recognized the eastern border till... 1991
(West-) Germany recognized the border in 1970 in the name of West Germany, and 1991 in the name of a reunited Germany. 25 years is not really that much if you think about it, it usually takes a generation until such issues are settled.
Tacitus
12 Mar 2018
News / Poland in the European Union. Polexit? [559]
They are far from the only one, the Benelux countries among others are also in favour. Anyway we shall see how their idea proceed in the next months.
No doubt the Eurozone will see some further reforms, and there have been many demands (including by EU sceptical countries like the Czech Republic) for greater military cooperation among European countries. Those are the two areas where we might see some drastic changes rather soon. It already started with the PESCO initiative.
that's twooooo countries out of..... how many?
They are far from the only one, the Benelux countries among others are also in favour. Anyway we shall see how their idea proceed in the next months.
Not much evidence anywhere else of a crying need for even more centralization
No doubt the Eurozone will see some further reforms, and there have been many demands (including by EU sceptical countries like the Czech Republic) for greater military cooperation among European countries. Those are the two areas where we might see some drastic changes rather soon. It already started with the PESCO initiative.
Tacitus
12 Mar 2018
News / Polish-German Reconcilliation Seminar [491]
It was a simplified correction, but it is true nonetheless. There is no question that the former German territories were more developed and thus more valuable than the former Polish territories in the East. The Allies and Stalin knew this and used this both as an argument at Yalta and Potsdam.
No, because Stalin wanted those territories, and nobody was in any position to deny him. The only question at Potsdam was, how much of German territory Poland would receive in return. It could have been more, it could have been less than it eventually turned out.
It is undisputable that the German territory lost in 1945 was overwhelming German in character, the cities had a very large German majority (including Danzig) and had been under German rule for centuries. The loss was the price paid for a war of agression and the numerous atrocities comited in its' wake and none of the diplomats at Potsdam considered it any different. I say this because I have read all the minutes of thei negotiations at Potsdam. The arguments about the future Polish-German border was its' length, how it could be defended and how the Polish were compensated for the lost territory in the East. Some pseudo-historical claims were not seriously entertainted, they were at best used as some justification.
Not really, since Germany does a lot of coal mining themselves. To my knowledge, the only problem Poland currently has in this regard is the pollution problem in their cities.
It is Poland who refuses its' contractual obligations so far by not adhering to the previous agreements. Besides, this is not a purely financial matter. Germany won't make any concessions on this because there would be no guarantee that a future Polish government would not attempt the same trick in the future again.
No, the exchange of territory does not nullify the German crimes, but the many treaties between Poland and Germany afterwards do. The matter is closed and it is time to look to the future, there is zero moral or legal justifications for reparation claims today. It is regrettable that so many Polish people are deceived by their government on this matter.
That is a quite simplified statement.
It was a simplified correction, but it is true nonetheless. There is no question that the former German territories were more developed and thus more valuable than the former Polish territories in the East. The Allies and Stalin knew this and used this both as an argument at Yalta and Potsdam.
You know it was quite possible to keep Polish borders in the east
No, because Stalin wanted those territories, and nobody was in any position to deny him. The only question at Potsdam was, how much of German territory Poland would receive in return. It could have been more, it could have been less than it eventually turned out.
Prussia and Gdansk, those are regions whose German identity or German claims to them are not that clearly cut and dry
It is undisputable that the German territory lost in 1945 was overwhelming German in character, the cities had a very large German majority (including Danzig) and had been under German rule for centuries. The loss was the price paid for a war of agression and the numerous atrocities comited in its' wake and none of the diplomats at Potsdam considered it any different. I say this because I have read all the minutes of thei negotiations at Potsdam. The arguments about the future Polish-German border was its' length, how it could be defended and how the Polish were compensated for the lost territory in the East. Some pseudo-historical claims were not seriously entertainted, they were at best used as some justification.
coal mining, something that is scorn right now by Germany and the EU
Not really, since Germany does a lot of coal mining themselves. To my knowledge, the only problem Poland currently has in this regard is the pollution problem in their cities.
a one that refuses fulfil his obligations
It is Poland who refuses its' contractual obligations so far by not adhering to the previous agreements. Besides, this is not a purely financial matter. Germany won't make any concessions on this because there would be no guarantee that a future Polish government would not attempt the same trick in the future again.
As in you eyes it nullifies all the economical bills and all human sufferings.
No, the exchange of territory does not nullify the German crimes, but the many treaties between Poland and Germany afterwards do. The matter is closed and it is time to look to the future, there is zero moral or legal justifications for reparation claims today. It is regrettable that so many Polish people are deceived by their government on this matter.
Tacitus
12 Mar 2018
News / Poland in the European Union. Polexit? [559]
Such reforms always have to be instigated by the member states, since they must agree to the loss of sovereignity. And France and Germany have usually the diving force behind deeper integrations, nohing unusual here.
As for the rest of your post. Macron won his election campaign with the promise to reform Europe, and Merkel has now formed a government and is thus fully legitimized to do the same. This will be her last term in office, and she knows that she can fully cement her legacy as the saviour of the EU by making sure that the EU is prepared for future crisis. She will also have little trouble with the AfD on this matter, since a) most Germans like the EU and want it to work and b) te AfD has so far done little to critize the EU because of this.
Not wanted in a few country perhaps, but the core countries are still very much commited to it. But I'd prefer it anyway if some countries press on with deeper integration, and leave the rest to either follow them, or be left behind.
Is that a joke? They certainly have no mandate for any such thing since they hold no formal positions in Brussels.
[/quote]Such reforms always have to be instigated by the member states, since they must agree to the loss of sovereignity. And France and Germany have usually the diving force behind deeper integrations, nohing unusual here.
As for the rest of your post. Macron won his election campaign with the promise to reform Europe, and Merkel has now formed a government and is thus fully legitimized to do the same. This will be her last term in office, and she knows that she can fully cement her legacy as the saviour of the EU by making sure that the EU is prepared for future crisis. She will also have little trouble with the AfD on this matter, since a) most Germans like the EU and want it to work and b) te AfD has so far done little to critize the EU because of this.
The message from voters in lots of countries has been to slow down on the pan EU integration already, it's not wanted.
Not wanted in a few country perhaps, but the core countries are still very much commited to it. But I'd prefer it anyway if some countries press on with deeper integration, and leave the rest to either follow them, or be left behind.
Tacitus
12 Mar 2018
News / Poland in the European Union. Polexit? [559]
Indeed, and there are very promising signs for this. Merkel and Macron will no doubt instigate great changes this year.
I hope you are not implying that the EU is any way responsible for the problems in Slovakia, when in fact the EU is usually cited (including by colleagues of the murdered journalist) as the main factor to keep those tendencies in check?
Again, the problem here was not the EU being blind to it, because even if it had been aware, there was nothing it could have done anyway. The memberstates have still reserved themselves the final decision-making in most cases, and as we are currently seeing with Poland, the EU can hardly interfere even when the rule of law is at stake. Even when Greece literally depended on the help of others, the influence on it was limited.
If we look at it objectively, most problems we currently have are not because of Bruessels' power, but because of its' impotence.
Brussels should be forced to reform itself
Indeed, and there are very promising signs for this. Merkel and Macron will no doubt instigate great changes this year.
. The hugely-complcated beaurocracy that reigns
I hope you are not implying that the EU is any way responsible for the problems in Slovakia, when in fact the EU is usually cited (including by colleagues of the murdered journalist) as the main factor to keep those tendencies in check?
with it and how Brussels was blind to it for years
Again, the problem here was not the EU being blind to it, because even if it had been aware, there was nothing it could have done anyway. The memberstates have still reserved themselves the final decision-making in most cases, and as we are currently seeing with Poland, the EU can hardly interfere even when the rule of law is at stake. Even when Greece literally depended on the help of others, the influence on it was limited.
If we look at it objectively, most problems we currently have are not because of Bruessels' power, but because of its' impotence.