Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
(AP) - LET IT BE: Even with national elections this Sunday, Germany's reputation as a reluctant giant won't likely be challenged.
PLENTY OF MUSCLE: Germany has Europe's most powerful economy and an industrial machine that's the envy of the planet. But neither incumbent Angela Merkel's conservative forces, nor her center-left rivals have any appetite to take center stage as a European or global leader.
RELUCTANT TO USE IT: Germany seems content to lurk in the shadows, perhaps quietly pulling strings or exerting pressure. There has been little discussion of Germany's role in Europe and the wider world, or the future of the common euro currency.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
