The 'bullshit' row over Germany’s social state

Germany’s coalition was trying to make up and get along... but then someone dropped an English swearword in reference to the chancellor.

Dear Reader,

For two days last week, the top leaders of Germany’s often-contentious coalition partners—the centre-right CDU/CSU and centre-left SPD—gathered in the picturesque Bavarian city of Würzburg for a retreat. Amid discussions on how to resolve conflicts and strengthen unity after the summer break, participants were seen sipping Franconian wine an…