19 September 2005 - political paralysis

How does Germany deal with political paralysis? The chancellor boldly calls for a vote of confidence and deliberately loses it, sustains the unprecedented maneuver through constitutional review, and calls early elections. After a fierce contest of ideals, the votes are tallied—and the Bundestag is more divided than before. Is there no way forward?

Well, we have some excess decisiveness on this side of the Pond. Want to borrow Dubya? Please?