German Chancellor Angela Merkel, an unflappable pastors daughter, is closing in on a third term in Sundays general election, cementing her title as the worlds most powerful woman. So strong is Merkels position that she has often seemed to transcend politics during what may be the last of her juggernaut campaigns, simply ignoring her opponent along the way. This month a giant billboard went up at Berlins main train station featuring only a picture of the chancellors hands folded in her trademark diamond-shape gesture. Quite simply, the mighty Merkel is the message.
She wins...no doubt. The coalition? That’s the real issue. If her buddies...the FDP....don’t get five percent....it’s a fair-sized mess to figure the next deal maker.
The anti-Euro guys? They might actually clear five-percent and no one wants them in as a partner. The SPD? It’s just inviting issues. The Greens? Folks laugh over that option.