'The English are to blame” – a German newspaper headline sums up the bitter reaction in Berlin this weekend. David Cameron’s decision to veto Angela Merkel’s plan to rush through a new treaty to impose fiscal federalism on the entire European Union has enraged the German political and media establishment.
Berlin is infuriated by the Prime Minister’s refusal to submit to the proposed transaction tax and other punitive regulations. They accuse David Cameron of selfishly placing the interests of the City of London before those of Europe, of preferring splendid isolation to saving the world from financial ruin. The tone of public utterances towards Britain has indeed become bitter in recent weeks. Their private comments, we may safely assume, are unprintable. Unfortunately, the feeling is mutual.
