Merkel Backs Off Plans to Stump for Sarkozy - Wall Street Journal

BY WILLIAM BOSTON IN BERLIN AND GABRIELE PARUSSINI IN PARIS

Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy have quietly laid to rest plans for the German leader to actively campaign for Mr. Sarkozy's re-election after news of her participation prompted criticism by the French president's opponents that he had become dependent on Berlin.

Fearing a swing to the left in France that could derail an austerity cure for the euro zone, Ms. Merkel's Christian Democratic Union party announced in January that the chancellor would make several campaign appearances with Mr. Sarkozy.

But it now looks like Ms. Merkel's support for the French leader may be backfiring, and some analysts warn she also ...