They've failed to win major tax cuts that they once pledged and have taken much of the blame for frequent public bickering in the chancellor's coalition.

NPR: Merkel Risks Election-Year Setback In State Vote

And it's a stretch during which they've failed to score two or more goals in regulation.

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Changing that is both a challenge for the politicians and those who run this wealthy game, a challenge that so far they've failed to meet.

BBC