Angela Merkel was initially skecptical about a joint European solution to the global financial crisis. But at the weekend the Chancellor demonstrated her determination and her crisis management skills. She is now willing fast-track 400 billion euros from the state coffers as a rescue package for the banking sector. Merkel's popularity ratings are on the up. Most importantly in these tought times, she enjoys the confidence of the German population. Axel Rowohlt reports.