According to this forum on the BBC website, Angela Merkel appears to be very popular leader. An interesting point, though, is that Schroeder is dismissed as a left-wing poltroon and Merkel is accepted as the ripple on a petal's wave.

The mood in Germany is turning up, it looks like having a mildly conservative leader soothes the Germans. It suits them too. But lets face it, it suits everyone. No-one really wants a left-wing leader. They're really far too stressful to have around. They make you feel guilty about everything, they get angry about what happens in other countries, they disapprove of luxuries. They're always so bloody contrary, left-wing people.

No no no. What people want, though so many won't admit it, is a placid conservative to lead them. English people would rather have the Conservatives in power, but unfortunately the Conservatives are cross-eyed nincompoops. The Americans really prefer the Republicans to the Democrats. Our angel has come to install balance.