Merkel Slammed on U.S. Surveillance as SPD Seeks Campaign Boost
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Germany’s Social Democratic Party is stepping up its attacks on Chancellor Angela Merkel’s response to the U.S. surveillance scandal, as the opposition spots a campaign opportunity to turn around its electoral fortunes.
SPD chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrueck used a weekend interview on the disclosures of mass surveillance to accuse Merkel of breaking her oath to protect the German people. SPD Chief Whip Thomas Oppermann escalated the criticism yesterday, slamming the chancellor’s conciliatory tone as she reiterated that privacy concerns must be balanced by security prerogatives. Committee lawmakers broke off their summer vacation to quiz the interior minister on the latest developments in Berlin today.