Merkel 'gambling away' Germany's reputation over Greece, says Habermas

Exclusive: Intellectual figurehead of European integration says efforts of previous generations put at risk by Angela Merkel's hardline stance on Greece

Ji1/4rgen Habermas, one of the intellectual figureheads of European integration, has launched a withering attack on the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, accusing her of "gambling away" the efforts of previous generations to rebuild the country's postwar reputation with her hardline stance on Greece.

Speaking about the bailout deal for the first time since it was presented on Monday, the philosopher and sociologist said the German chancellor had effectively carried out "an act of punishment" against the leftwing government of Alexis Tsipras.

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