That Mrs Merkel is still favourite to win re-election as chancellor, whether in another grand coalition or with the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), is a tribute to her political skill.

• 但是她依然会被看好在今年大选连任联邦总理，可能是另一个大联盟政府或者与自民党(FDP)联合执政，这只能归功于她的政治技巧。