SPD, which has seen its popularity slide even as Ms Merkel harvests the credit for all the government's successes.

ECONOMIST: Germany's president

Whatever the reason voter opposition to more transfers of their wealth to beach-lolling southerners, a desire to force reforms on reluctant profligates, a desire to force several nations to surrender even more sovereignty, or mere self-interest Ms. Merkel is earning her sobriquet as Madame Nein.

WSJ: Agenda | Irwin Stelzer: Euro-Zone Shark Still Has Its Appetite