MERKEL MANIA: The Forsa agency's poll for Stern magazine showed that support for Angela Merkel's conservative party is at 42 percent, the highest level since Merkel became Germany's leader in November 2005.

STEADY HAND: Merkel has been helped by a robust economy and her handling of Europe's debt crisis. But the weakness of her coalition partners, the pro-market Free Democrats, is a complication as she seeks a third term.

SAVE THE DATE: Germany's national election is scheduled for September.