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The article discusses how the economic conditions in Greece are affecting other countries in the euro zone debt crisis. Particular attention is given to challenges faced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who does not have the full support of the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, in expanding a financial bailout for Greece. Other topics covered include the economic and political policies of countries such as France, Spain, and Italy, INSET: Back to the Crisis.

The article discusses the intent of leaders from Germany, France, and other Group of 20 nations to settle on a bailout plan for the euro zone by October 23, 2011. Germany and France have agreed on tougher capital standards for banks and enlargement of an existing bailout fund. Several issues remain, though, including how the bailout fund should be used, and specifics of additional aid to Greece.

The article reports that the German parliament approved a measure that would increase the size of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) from 250 billion euros to 440 billion. German chancellor Angela Merkel supported the bill, which drew opposition from within her own party. The EFSF serves as a bailout fund for struggling euro-area nations, and the legislation to increase its size must be approved by all euro-area members before taking effect.

The article discusses growing doubts among Germans about their nation's continued participation in bailouts to rescue Greece and other financially struggling countries in the euro zone. While many Germans remain committed to Europe and a common currency, concern has grown that additional bailout money will not achieve its objectives and ultimately harm Germany's economy. Christian Democratic Union figure Wolfgang Bosch is a notable opponent of further bailouts.

The article discusses discord over how to address a financial crisis in Europe. The U.S. has urged euro-zone nations to substantially increase the effective size of a bailout fund they have established. Germany say such an increase cannot happen unless the European Central Bank agrees. Officials from some euro-zone countries say domestic political considerations prevent them from taking swift action.

The article reports that government finance officials in German and France have met with banking executives in their respective nations to discuss how banks would contribute to a potential second bailout for Greece. Of particular difficulty is figuring out what actions the banks could take with respect to Greek bonds they hold without those securities being considered in default.

The article discusses disagreement in Europe over financial aid to struggling members of the euro zone. Germany rebuffed a proposal by the European Union's (EU's) European Commission to increase by 100% the size of a $588 billion bailout fund. Concerns have arisen over whether financing arranged by the EU would be sufficient should the need arise to assist Spain.

The article discusses differences in governing styles and policies between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and their sometimes contentious relationship. While Sarkozy is ebullient and outgoing, Merkel tends to be reserved. Sarkozy has been much more supportive of a bailout for struggling European Union banks than has Merkel.

The article reports that Germany's Bundesbank is displeased with the European Central Bank's (ECB's) intervention in the Greek bond market. Over a several-week period the ECB has spent around 25 billion euros to buy Greek bonds, a move the Bundesbank interprets as an indirect bailout of banks that own the securities.

This article reports that the U.S. and European governments are considering taxing large banks to cover the cost of future bailouts instead of using taxpayer funds to pay for them. Germany and Sweden would use the money to fund an authority that would shut down failing banks and France would assess the fee after the crisis was over. The U.S. is split between the two proposals.

The article reports that several nations have imposed caps on the compensation of executives employed at financial institutions that receive government aid in response to a global financial crisis. Sweden and Germany are among nations adopting such policies. In the U.S. public anger has been aroused by financial-industry executives who have received large pay packages.

The article discusses efforts by governments around the world to address a global financial crisis. The Netherlands government will provide $13.4 billion in capital to banking and insurance firm ING Groep NV. It is expected that Germany will finalize details on a 500-billion euro intervention in that nation's financial system. South Korea has injected $30 billion into the Korean banking system.

The article reports on efforts made by allies of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to prevent rebellion in their rank two days prior to a crucial vote in parliament on an 86 billion euros bailout package for Greece.

The article discusses a ruling by Germany's highest court on September 12, 2012 that approved creation of the European Stability Mechanism bailout fund, but also said Germany must retain its veto power over the fund's decision-making, with commentary presented from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

The article discusses a court case in Germany to determine the constitutionality of European leaders' plan to reduce the euro-zone debt crisis by providing economic aid to the European Union through the planned permanent bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

The article discusses how a potential credit-ratings downgrades in German and France could eventually have a negative impact on the European Stability Mechanism bailout fund, and consequently on countries that borrow from the fund.

The article discusses former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder as of July 7, 2012, focusing on his work to reform the economic conditions in Germany during his period of leadership, including reforms to the country's tax laws, unemployment benefits, and labor laws. The author argues that a German government bailout of the Southern states in the European Union will result in an increase in Germany's public debt.

The author comments on the reluctance of the government of Berlin, Germany to support the euro bailout fund that may help euro-zone governments that have problems with their debts in November 2011.

The article reports on the efforts of Germany and France to finalize a broad agreement on a plan aimed at shoring up financing for troubled European Union countries as of October 2011.

The article reports on the challenge faced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel concerning her control over the bail out fund of the euro-zone in August 2011.

The article reports on the conditions set by Germany for any bailout for Greece agreed upon by European Union members at the March 25, 2010 summit, wherein Greece will get aid only when it is on the verge of bankruptcy and part of it will be sourced from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The article reports that a plan led by Germany and France to bail out Greece with almost 30 billion euros in assistance started to take shape as Athens and Berlin contend over timing and terms.

The article reports on the statement released by Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany that the proposed tax cuts are needed to get the nation out of its worst financial crisis in 60 years. It states the reason why the plan to reduce income taxes has earned criticism from European Union officials and also from the council of economic advisers to the German government. According to the economics ministry, the German economy remains dependent on fiscal stimulus, regardless of the recovery under way.

The article reports on the plan of German government-controlled bank WestLB to sell 85 billion euros in assets from its balance sheet, as announced on November 12, 2009. The bank mentioned that healthy and toxic paper and other assets are included in the portfolio. The amount of risk guarantee received by the bank from its owners in 2008 is 4.8 billion euros. The rescue requires WestLB to sell assets and simplify its balance sheet as mandated by the European Commission.

This article reveals that German travel and retail company Arcandor AG has suspended its talks with rival Metro Group AG over a possible linkup as it considers all options. Particular focus is given to Metro Group's acquisition offer for Arcandor. Arcandor filed for insolvency after receiving rejection from the German government about a guaranteed loan and rescue credit from state-owned KfW. Arcandor spokesman Gerd Koslowski says the firm is exploring all its options including other potential partners.

The article reports that the request of Arcandor AG for €650 million in guarantees has been denied by the German government. According to an Economics Ministry spokesman, the request of the company was rejected because of concerns regarding its business concept. Share price of the company fell 44 percent.

The article reports on the central role played by Germany in the bidding process for the European operations of General Motors Corp. It is noted that German Chancellor Angela Merkel made bidders promise to protect jobs in Germany in exchange for billions in state-backed loans. Industry ministers and representatives from 18 European Union countries demanded that German aid for Opel be based on objective and economic criteria.

The article reports on the warning by Germany's financial regulator of serious problems at Hypo Real Estate Holding six months before bailout. According to documents viewed by "The Wall Street Journal," the regulator did not have enough powers to act and the government ignored its warnings. The funding problems and huge losses of Hypo on complex securities reportedly make it the worst of Germany's problem banks. The International Monetary Fund reported that banks in western Europe could lose about $1.4 trillion in this financial crisis.

The article reports on the slowdown in the pace of recession in Germany in 2009 which boosted hopes of stabilization in the fourth largest economy in the world. There was a 0.7% increase in German exports in March from February, according to the German statistics office. A 6% decline in gross domestic product (GDP) is expected by the government, says Economy Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. It points out the significance of the economic performance to the country in terms of pressure to adopt stimulus measures.

The article reports on the pledge made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to help Opel of General Motors (GM) Corp. She said that the German government is willing to provide financial guarantees to financially aid Opel. But she opposed calls for the state to buy stakes in Opel as part of a possible bailout. Opel and British brand Vauxhall need $4.36 billion in aid to survive while GM itself has received $13.4 billion from the U.S. bailout funds.

The article reports on a disagreement among German politicians over a bailout plan for the automaker Adam Opel GmbH. The left-leaning Social Democrats proposed that the government buy a stake in the car maker to avert a major corporate failure, which was rejected by the Christian Democrats headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel. It is noted that left and right politicians are using the issue of bailout to portray themselves as protector of workers.

The article reports on the decision of the government of Germany to withhold action on aiding General Motors Corp. (GM) until the company works out it restructuring plans with the U.S. government in 2009. GM has indicated its willingness to sell a majority stake in Opel, the German-based core of its operations in Europe, to raise funds and restructure its business. According to German economics minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the government is potentially open to guaranteeing loans for a private investor.

The article reports on the announcement from investor J. Christopher Flowers about the willingness of the investor group he controls, J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC, to make a financial contribution to the bailout of German mortgage financier Hypo Real Estate Holding AG. It discloses that J.C. Flowers is the largest shareholder of Hypo, with the group holding about 23.7% of the company. Flowers intends to keep his stake at Hypo, which is estimated at around €1.1 billion. The additional capital needs of Hypo is said to be at around €10 billion.

The article reports on the planned meeting between the German government and investor J. Christopher Flowers about the rescue of the mortgage financial firm Hypo Real Estate Holding. It notes that Flowers is in talks with the government about a possible partial nationalization of the firm. It cites the desire of the government to control the firm, which has already received €102 billion in loans and state guarantees.

The article reports on the protest demonstration by workers from the Opel unit of automobile manufacturer General Motors Corp., calling for a bailout from the German government. The protest was held prior to a scheduled meeting between Economics Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and heads of German states with Opel plants during which they will discuss a possible bailout for the company. It notes that such scenario reflects how the problems of the U.S.-based company are affecting its overseas units.