AT 55, Mr Gerhard Schroder is the same age as Mr Oskar Lafontaine, and the two men share a similar background, growing up as the children of poor widows in post-war Germany. But they could scarcely be more different in their political outlook and, as yesterday's events showed, Mr Schroder is the more skilful politician.
Utterly unburdened by ideology - and by principles, according to his detractors - Mr Schroder owes much of his success to his long-standing love affair with the media. Now married to his fourth wife, the Chancellor has remained faithful to his friends in the media throughout his political career.
No magazine or TV show is too trivial for Mr Schroder's attention and, within the past few weeks, he has appeared on a popular game show and modelled clothes in a fashion magazine.
As his government has become increasingly unpopular, Mr Schroder remains the nation's favourite and most Germans believe he is doing a good job as Chancellor. Foreign leaders like him and many praised his handling of last month's informal EU summit in Bonn when he defused the tension surrounding Agenda 2000 negotiations with his easy manner and well-placed jokes.
Mr Schroder gives the impression of relishing his position of Chancellor - and there is little doubt that the departure of his turbulent finance minister will leave him feeling more satisfied than ever.
Sources within the Social Democratic Party said last night that Mr Schroder will probably take over as SPD party leader following the sudden resignation of Mr Lafontaine.
"The end result will be that Schroder will become party chief," said one party source. Mr Schroder has not yet said publicly he would seek the post.
