Cover

Hoeneß has the ball, but then Bavaria fluffs a pass to Switzerland, and Steinbrück regains possession right in front of the posts. This is his chance: all he has to do is shoot. But Steinbrüüück? What does Steinbrück do? He hesitates and misses the opportunity.

In an article presented as an imaginary football match commentary between the President of FC Bayern Munich, Uli Hoeneß, and the Social Democratic candidate for the chancellor’s office, Peer Steinbrück, the newspaper takes a fresh look at the scandal surrounding Hoeneß, who, in January, admitted to tax authorities that he had a bank account in Switzerland. On April 20, Focus magazine’s website reported that Hoeneß had been charged with tax fraud.

As for Steinbrück? “He has refrained from criticism,” complains Tageszeitung, which is demanding Hoeneß's resignation —

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

The question of whether Hoeneß should resign or not is revelatory of the divergence in attitudes to tax fraud in the wake of Offshore Leaks: either it is an offence that is no worse than driving home after drinking six beers, or it is quite simply a type of theft.

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support border-free European journalism

See our subscription offers, or donate to bolster our independence

On the same topic