Immigration

One of the worst ideas of the French presidential campaign — more EU border controls — seems to have spread elsewhere in Europe, writes The Wall Street Journal. We look at this, as well as at the growing scandal surrounding the UK culture secretary James Hunt.

 

This week, we look at media comment on immigration policies in Britain and on how the continuing euro crisis is affecting investor confidence.

“Multiculturalism has failed,” says Angela Merkel. A Bavarian premier says immigrants have a duty to integrate and to accept the German Leitkultur. Germany in the autumn of 2010? Well, no, actually. These comments were made six years ago.

A heated debate on immigration in Germany has given the media food for thought. So, too, has the Tea Party movement in the US midterm elections. We look at comment on both these subjects.

Bavaria needs immigrants and foreign visitors to survive.

Happy 20th birthday to the reunited Germany for yesterday. Although it still has unacceptable inequality between east and west, Germany is fantastically impressive — politically, socially and economically. Not perfect, but very good.

This week, we look at media commentary on a major jobs agreement at Siemens, and at the rise of an anti-immigrant party in Sweden.

Like many people, I am shocked at the content and tone of recent statements by Thilo Sarrazin on immigration in Germany. I agree with Angela Merkel that they are "unacceptable".

US: Not only is New York the city that never sleeps. America’s largest city is also one of the most ethnically diverse in the world. Small wonder, then, that more and more working parents are taking advantage of the chance to hire nannies who speak languages other than English.

This week, we go to Australia, where Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s popularity is falling, and to Britain, where relaxed immigration laws have some people worried.