Angela Merkel sets an ambitious and optimistic note in her opening speech, going back to the ‘postwar reconstruction’ theme raised in her election campaign. Fine words, and why not, but unfortunately it will need more than good intentions to get to grips with Germany’s present day problems:

Angela Merkel on Wednesday called for a “second reconstruction” of Germany, by recalling the efforts deployed to rebuild war-torn Germany in the 1950s and reconstruct the former Communist east after reunification, in her eagerly-awaited first speech to parliament as chancellor.

“This land has great possibilities – Germany is full of opportunities,” Ms Merkel told the house. “I am looking forward to unleashing this dormant energy.”