May’s Florence speech: reaction in Germany as voters prepare to go to polls

Not everyone in Germany was following today’s Brexit speech, and they can be excused for not doing so, with their own distraction in the form of Sunday’s election. However policymakers, businessmen and anyone involved with Britain were listening. While many may have been reassured by Theresa May’s emollient words about paying divorce bills and a smooth transition forging a special partnership with Europe, they were also sceptical about its political implementation. Brexit may be a divorce that most Germans resent. However, it is also a divorce that for some has opportunities.