Benoit Hamon says the German leader is the only one still backing the policy A French socialist minister has launched an impassioned attack on the "failing" austerity policies imposed on European economies, which he said were now only supported by the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and a few others. In outspoken comments that will fuel tensions between France and Germany, Benoit Hamon, the social and consumer affairs minister, told the Observer that it was "time to finish with the politics of austerity in Europe". He added: "Only Merkel, supported by a few northern countries, believes austerity is working … ... (full story)