meaning its ability to carry out reforms was very limited. Merkel may also find it easier than her predecessor to convince a German public of the need to let go of cherished benefits and subsidies, after outgoing SPD chancellor Gerhard Schroeder paved the way with his "Agenda 2010" reform programme. Still, the road ahead will inevitably be bumpy. As a first act of her new cabinet, Merkel plans to cut generous pension deals for retired ministers in the hope of demonstrating to citizens that political leaders are not exempting themselves from the pain. Merkel and Platzeck, who was catapulted into the SPD's driver's seat after a leadership crisis last month, have vowed to work closely together on reforms. They are both 51, both from the former communist east and both scientists by training. Both weathered recent storms in their respective parties and emerged with strengthened positions. Both are seen as pragmatic and are known for their steady, analytical approach. "A blockade at the federal level that has hurt us for a very long time is about to be removed," Platzeck told Der Spiegel magazine. "We have a lot of very difficult tasks before us."
