Chancellor Merkel could have introduced a new political direction with just a few words, Jyllands-Posten writes:

“The German chancellor is known for her caution and rarely says anything that hasn't been carefully considered, particularly in an election year. Moreover she's known to be a great admirer of the US. For her the Atlantic is something that binds, rather than divides. Her speech, which the US has yet to comment on, could mean that Germany has recognised that Europe must deal with most of its problems on its own, and that Berlin wants to take the lead here. The thing about the Germans is that they come under fire when they want to assume a leadering role, but also when they don't. The same goes for the US, incidentally. Germany will deserve respect if it continues to stand up for what it believes in. The Federal Republic is one of the most solid democracies imaginable. So who, if not Germany, should do this?”