PARIS -- As the London Economist wrote, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's "Revolution" was a "very Japanese" one indeed. What European politician today could dream of calling a general election designed to punish Parliament for having rejected his legislation and being rewarded with an electoral victory? None.
For leading French and German politicians, it's the toughest of times.
A tough fighter, Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder tried to follow Koizumi's path. He called new elections hoping they would permit him to continue his controversial social reforms. Thanks to his excellent campaign and to the poor appeal of Christian Democrat challenger Angela Merkel, Schroeder gained far more votes than expected, winning only three seats less than his rival. Nonetheless, the election was still a setback.