between a rock and a hard place

That is exactly where Germany is at this very moment. It is taking the lead in finding a solution for the Opel (part of General Motors) car-assembly factories. Taking the lead, for the bigger part of those factories are in Germany. But in doing so it has put itself in a very uncomfortable position. The choices are :

• Going for a European solution. The chances of only factories in Germany closing are then rather big. That will not sit well with the German population. It might get Germany some European favours though.

• Going for a German solution. Closing down the factories outside Germany and concentrating the money (they are going to put 1.5 billion euros into the solution) on German jobs will probably be the most efficient solution. But there are European elections in a week. If Germany chooses for itself (even though it is the best solution for Opel) the disgust at Europe - especially in the countries where factories close - will only grow bigger.

It is lousy timing. If I was Angela Merkel, I'd haggle and stretch for another week, let the elections pass ... and then go for German efficiency. But that's my solution and I'm looking forward to hers ...