Merkel Seeks Mandate to Top Thatcher as Third-Term Risks Loom

Merkel, 59, has already made history as Germany’s first woman chancellor

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is headed toward risky territory as she completes her second term.

Neither Margaret Thatcher nor Tony Blair made it through their third term.

Even Helmut Kohl, the chancellor who presided over German reunification, overcame a party revolt before winning a third and fourth term.

Following elections in two days, Merkel, who polls show is Germany’s most popular politician, faces the perils of a third Greek bailout and the potential breakdown in her 550 billion-euro ($745 billion) energy overhaul.

There’s also the inevitable succession fight and sniping over her legacy. 

Read more... “A third term will be the hardest for Merkel”