Joachim Gauck, president of Germany, called on Chancellor Merkel to take on global responsibilites. Gauck Speech  This is not Merkel’s style according to a fascinating portrait by George Packer in the New Yorker magazine.

Joachim Fischer, a German social theorist, describes Germany under Merkel as a return to the Biedermeier period between the end of the Napoleanic Wars and the beginning of the 1848 Revoltuions.  The middle class was focused on growing wealth and decorative style.  Peace reigned.  Today the German people overwhelmingly support Merkel.

Stephen Green who wrote “Reluctant Meister: How Germany’s Past is Shapig Europe’s Future” has another thought.  Going back to the revenge of the Romans on Hermann in the 9th century AD and up until the Treaty of Versailles, the German’s could point to their victimhood. This combined with German thinkers emphasis on ‘duty’ which has sometimes been turned to the wrong cause, has wrecked disaster.

Gauck’s criticism of his country’s unwillingness to lead the EU based on its size and economic weight may be apt. But marvel, Green suggests, at the reformed democratic character.

Now the Greek elections which may well be won by Syzria create big problems for Merkel.  Syzria says he will refuse to carry out the austerity measures required for the country’s remaining bail out funds.  He promises to roll back economic reforms also required at the time of the bailout.

Merkel has resisted relenting on austerity.  She has also refused to let the ECB do large scale quantitative easing.  By doing these two things, she may put such a strain on Europe’s currency and demccracy that they being to break apart.  Is this the price of the new democratic Germany led by Merkel?