When one hand doesn't suffice to count the number of political parties in Germany, anticipate instability within Europe's powerhouse.

CNN: How a German state election affects Europe

So, if anything, the centre of political gravity in Germany has shifted toward the more pro-European parties in the past six months.

BBC: Europe: The big debate

Under Germany's political-finance law, brought in by Mr Kohl himself in 1994, all parties have to present yearly accounts to parliament, along with a record of all contributions, however small, with donors' names and addresses.

ECONOMIST: Germany