Readying Germany for battle royale

A WEEK ago, a spring had returned to the step of the financial markets, amid growing confidence that Europe’s dithering leaders would cobble together a credible plan at the summit of leaders due to take place at the weekend.

The mood then darkened considerably. Nerves were once again frayed.

The rioters were back on the streets of Athens. The cost of 10-year Italian debts were back above 6%.