Cameron overestimates Merkel’s vim for EU reform

British prime ministers often remark on the deceptive impotence of the job. They announce a policy and nothing comes of it. They draw up plans, which succumb to events. They wonder where the “real power” lies, usually settling upon some nexus of the media, civil service and high finance. And they assume foreign counterparts to be truly mighty.

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/509a0a0a-9d42-11e3-83c5-00144feab7de.html#axzz2uKzimAWS