BBC: State election deals blow to Germany's Merkel

Consider this from BBC: Link

Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives have suffered heavy losses in an election in Germany's most populous state.

Support for the Christian Democrats dropped from 35% to 26% in North Rhine-Westphalia, with the Social Democrats set to return to power with the Greens.

It is the Christian Democrats' worst result in the state.

Analysts say many voters rejected Mrs Merkel's tough line on fiscal discipline as a cure for state debt.

Voters in Greece, France and Italy also recently rejected austerity policies.

In another development, Germany's Pirate Party won seats in North Rhine-Westphalia, making it their fourth state parliament.

The Pirate Party has grown in strength recently with its calls for transparency and internet freedom.

Nationally, Sunday's election will not change the balance of power, whatever the outcome, but opposition leaders warn it may send an important signal ahead of national elections expected in late 2013.