Angela Merkel used to tell Germans “we can do it” when addressing the question of integrating the million-plus refugees who have come to Germany since 2015. That pragmatic attitude and her liberal approach have—after the election of Donald Trump and his “America First” agenda—spurred many politicians and pundits to hail Germany’s motherly chancellor as the de facto leader of the free world. But after a narrow election victory in September and the collapse of coalition talks on Nov. 19, it’s beginning to look as if she may not be able to “do it” after all.
OP-ED
Marc Champion: A world without Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to lead the weekly cabinet meeting in Berlin on Nov. 22.
