Italy and Germany: Let's Talk

     In a show of mutual respect and admiration, two of Europe's leaders met in Florence, (Firenze) Italy to demonstrate that their countries are bound together in the effort to improve and stabilize the economies of both.  Standing in front of Michelangelo's statue of David, the two spoke with measured tones that recent monetary actions by Swiss National Bank will not disrupt the Euro zone member states but instead, aid in improving international trade by expanding foreign markets for Europe's export businesses.
      Anyone who has followed the most recent moves by Euro bloc countries and European non-bloc members, can only guess as to what the future holds for the Euro.  Tomorrow's Greek Parliamentary elections are a cause for concern as leftist party members are hoping for significant gains which would mean that a more widespread effort to disengage from the IMF/German austerity plans included in bailout loans necessary to the support of the Greek economy.  A multibillion dollar interest payment is coming due, and many PM's of Greece think that it is impossible to pay the amount and give any relief to workers across the landscape of the country.
      Throw on top of all this economic blight is the related problem of immigration and transit of asylum seekers from war zones in Syria, Libya, Lebanon, Palestine/Gaza, and North Africa.  Numbers of refugees continues to be a major issue in all of Southern Europe.  Italy, Spain, Italy, have all had to confront the numbers.