There are German politicians (Willy Brandt in particular comes to mind) who stepped down for far less than what Merkel and her government have done or at least

There are German politicians (Willy Brandt in particular comes to mind) who stepped down for far less than what Merkel and her government have done or at least have allowed to happen. In a democracy, experience shouldn't be the standard by which to measure fitness for office. Experience in the law-making process, knowing the ropes of the political system and maintaining diplomatic standards: That's what members of lower ranks of political administration should be for (which for this very reason usually are appointed instead of elected). Politicians in leadership positions should be measured by their vision (or plan, to use a less high-flying term) for the country and integrity alone. Instead, most politicians in modern democracies have learned to navigate the political system and the media circus exceptionally well while integrity and ethics have been left behind. Talking about political experience: Before Merkel became chancellor she was very inexperienced in international politics herself. As was Helmut Kohl, who was often underestimated by fellow state leaders (notably Margaret Thatcher) for his uncouth appearance and his perceived intellectual shortcomings. Both grew while in office with Kohl even managing the diplomatic masterpiece of the German reunion against all odds. What's happening right now is just outrageous. German intelligence spying on German citizens and companies and selling that data to a supposed ally who in turn uses this data against Germany. Everybody responsible for this (including the chancellor) should step down and make way for a government that's willing to represent the interests of the people again instead of furthering their own agenda or catering for the interests of another country.