‘ We will manage,’ reiterates Merkel

Under growing domestic pressure over her opendoor policy on refugees, Germany’s Angela Merkel has come out swinging, insisting “we will manage” the crisis set to define her nearly decade- old chancellorship.

Usually calm and measured if not dull, Ms Merkel spoke passionately in an hour- long TV interview late on Wednesday on one of Germany’s most popular talk shows.

Amid the historic migrant influx, she implored citizens to harness the bold can- do spirit of Germany’s reunification a quarter- century ago, and to remember that granting safe haven to persecuted people is a core European ideal.

“We will manage this, of that I am firmly convinced,” she repeated mantra- like, while brushing off questions about whether her greatest policy gamble will win her the Nobel Peace Prize or cost her her job.

The migrant crisis has deeply polarised Germany. After the “summer fairytale” of volunteers cheering refugees at railway stations,

Chancellor Merkel implored citizens to harness the can- do spirit of Germany’s reunification, and to remember that granting safe haven to persecuted people is a core European ideal

the mood has darkened in many parts as have the autumn skies over crowded tent cities.

“Merkel’s toughest battle,” ran a headline in Bild, Germany’s top- selling newspaper, which judged that “the refugee crisis is decisive for the political future of the Chancellor”.

It said the leader is now “in combat mode”. Two years ahead of the next federal election, it said, “the question isn’t just, will she return to the chancellory, but, can she stay in office?”

Ms Merkel, usually voted Germany’s most popular politician, has slipped to fourth place in a recent ranking.

Unusually for the Chancellor, some of the harshest sniping has now come from her own usually loyal ranks.