GERMANY:Germany's coalition government has been shaken by yesterday's resignation of the labour minister and deputy chancellor, Franz Müntefering.
His surprise departure robs the Social Democrats (SPD) of its most senior cabinet member who served as a stabilising force in an increasingly fraught coalition with Christian Democrats (CDU).
Mr Müntefering (67) made world headlines two years ago for attacking private equity funds as "locusts" that devour companies for short-term profit. He said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, who is having cancer treatment. "Of course I know that many will see this as politically motivated . . . but I ask people to accept that it really is for private reasons," said Mr Müntefering, in a nod to recent political setbacks.
After steering through Schröder-era reforms, Mr Müntefering bitterly opposed plans by SPD leader Kurt Beck last month to undo some reform measures and move the party left of centre.
Mr Müntefering lost that fight and another battle yesterday when the CDU refused to back his plans for a limited minimum wage. But the cigarillo-smoking politician shrugged it off thanks to his dry sense of humour and, because of his age, a lack of personal ambition.
His replacement as vice-chancellor, foreign minister Frank Walter Steinmeier, is a different story. One of the SPD's best hopes to unseat chancellor Merkel, Mr Steinmeier has made his ambitions known recently with a series of open attacks on the CDU leader.
As her new contact person in the SPD, the foreign minister will liven up the endless rounds of horse-trading that have become the tiresome trademark of Berlin's grand coalition.As chancellor Schröder's chief of staff, he is likely to oppose an SPD shift to the left.
Observers predict the departure will weaken the SPD and shorten the life of the coalition, to Ms Merkel's advantage.