German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces growing resistance within her ruling coalition over expanding the powers of the eurozone's bailout fund, forcing a domestic political debate she will have to win to preserve confidence in her leadership.
At issue is securing German parliamentary approval for a deal Ms Merkel brokered with other European leaders in July to keep the debt crisis from spinning out of control. Part of the agreement involves vesting the bailout fund with powers that were previously the prerogative of national parliaments. Conservative opponents of the deal worry it will open the door to relinquishing more sovereignty to the European Union.
Winning a majority of votes from within Ms Merkel's centre-right coalition was seen as relatively smooth sailing after reaching the hard-fought deal, which also included a second bailout for Greece. But in recent days, more dissenters have emerged from the coalition, now putting a sure victory in doubt. The shift reflects the pressure many rank-and-file conservative German politicians face as they try to justify the recent string of bailouts for Greece and other countries to an increasingly sceptical electorate.
Germany's main opposition parties have vowed to support the measures, ensuring their passage. Yet a failure by Ms Merkel to win enough support to carry the measures from within her own base would likely cripple her politically at a time when many in Europe are looking to Berlin for leadership in dealing with the debt crisis.
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© Wall Street Journal
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