National Duty
BERLIN In a new round of national self assurance German Parliamentarians are asserting their ,,Patriotism"and demanding a ,,Special Role"for Germany in Europe. Corresponding expressions from the former Minister of State at the Foreign Office Klaus von Dohnanyi underline the tenor of the recent Parliamentary debates in the Berlin Reichstag. The German Chancellor, the Leader of the Opposition and several leaders of other parliamentary parties declared that the yardstick of successful German activities in Europe was Patriotism.
The appeal to patriotic feelings applies particularly to German economic policy which by German refusals to compromise have caused serious tensions in the EU. Several smaller EU States fear they are hostage to the monetary decisions of the German Government. In particular Spanish diplomats have attacked German policy and seek to rein in Berlin's self-legitimising financial policies.
,,National Capital"
Instead of responding to European-wide criticism and seeking to allay fears of German dominance Parliament and Government seem by their actions to be strengthening external suspicions of ruthless German nationalism. Chancellor Schroeder for example replies to his critics that it is ,,the common task of all German patriots to prepare the way for the economic recovery in Germany". The leader of the Opposition Angela Merkel (Christian Democrat) recognises a ,,national duty"to be aware of Germany's economic role in Europe while the MP Schulz demands the ,,contribution of national capital"to Germany's welfare.
The open recognition of a national special role for Germany which rises above the interests of other EU members is the guiding light in Berlin's European policy. The Social Democrat von Dohnanyi replied to international fears that Germany's territorial expansion eastwards had imposed an ,,enormous responsibility"which demanded special consideration and could not be measured in terms of the rules of the Euro Stability Pact. Schroeder meanwhile used a visit of the Austrian leader Schuessel to ,,warn"the European Commission not to take legal actions against Berlin's rule breaking.
Source:
Plenarprotokoll - Vorab-Veroeffentlichung, 78./79. Sitzung, Berlin, 26./27. November 2003; www.bundestag.de