It's a tricky period in German politics. Annabel KK (who's ever going to remember her name) is the leader in waiting, but some factions want her in now (the conservatives), some want Merkel to stay in place (the liberals & the coalition partners SDP). There are state elections coming up in the east this year and rhe SDP is expected to do badly, possibly triggering an end of the grand coalition and a new alignment of government allies, most probably more of the Left parties. Annabel KK is pretty much anathema to the left but more popular with the conservative factions. And of course the coming elections for the European Parliament, which polls indicate will see a populist surge, are going to be another factor in the mix.
