The black-yellow coalition,which replaced the grand Union,is far from the ideal of a "coalition of the willing".This coalition came into life with disharmony two years ago.During that time it was full of inner contradictions and conflicts and even had to deal with open disagreements.All this led to frequent crises in the cooperation of the Parties.However,the coalition government formed by the Union Party and the Liberal Democratic Party has not yet been confronted with a break-up situation.The recent trend shows further that although the black-yellow coalition is undergoing many crises,it is still capable of maintaining.In addition to the FDP's rapid decline and marginalization,the main reasons should be found in Merkel's increasing power and entrenchment,as well as her growing public support. <<