Greek, French voters reject German-led austerity

The results of the Presidential election in France and the Parliamentary election in Greece on the 6 May 2012 point to electorates tired of austerity and seeking policies more geared towards growth. This posed difficulties for the eurozone response to the economic and monetary challenges, especially the German insistence on budget discipline.

• Primary Source

Deutsche Welle, 7.5.12: Opinion: 'Merkollande' for Europe http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,15933080,00.html

Spiegel Online international, 7.5.12: For Chancellor, Torturous Months Lie Ahead http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-greek-and-schleswig-holstein-elections-show-risks-ahead-for-merkel-a-831671.html

EUObserver, 7.5.12: Europe's left-wing turn worries markets http://euobserver.com/19/116156

ESO: Background information: Greek politicians suffer backlash to austerity / Greeks face fresh political turmoil http://www.europeansources.info/record/greek-politicians-suffer-backlash-to-austerity-greeks-face-fresh-political-turmoil-greece-braces-for-a-repeat-of-elections/

ESO: Background information: Hollande takes French presidency http://www.europeansources.info/record/hollande-takes-french-presidency/

EUObserver, 7.5.12: Greece urged to uphold austerity as coalition talks begin http://euobserver.com/843/116165

Le Figaro / Die Tageszeitung, 8.5.12: The Merkel-Holland duo still in search of a nickname (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/1946771-merkel-holland-duo-still-search-nickname

EurActiv, 8.5.12: Merkel: 'The fiscal pact is not up for discussion' [ http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/merkel-fiscal-pact-discussion-news-512539

Il Sole-24 Ore, 10.5.12: The growth imperative (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1961581-growth-imperative

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