[Michael81Dus]

Nearly correct, but you´ve to admit that Schröder was reelected because of the floodings and the anti-war-sentiments. His reaction on the floodings in the Eastern states brought him much lost sympathy by the East Germans back!

And, the public pressure in Germany is IRRELEVANT! All that matters is his coalition with the Greens. It´s tradition in Germany that nearly all important decisions are made against a majority (Euro, Pershing II, rearmament, joining NATO, etc). Chancellors usually don´t care what the people say - but it´s a contribution to the Greens.

[DoctorMichael]

I was in Berlin {business} and them in Celle (outside of Hannover) {pleasure} at the beginning of December.

[A. Pole]

And, the public pressure in Germany is IRRELEVANT!

I am not sure if you mean that public pressure in Germany SHOULD be irrelevant? Are you saying that it is more important to make wars than to preserve German democracy? You guys send chills down my spine.