Just Monday, theTrumpet.com restated its position that Bavarian Premier Edmund Stoiber was the politician to watch in Germany’s current political crisis. Since before the last round of general elections in 2002, we have said Stoiber would likely be the man to take Germany’s chancellorship. We also stated that he would likely obtain this position without being voted in.

That’s why we quoted a pithy Telegrapharticle showing how Stoiber was undermining the would-be chancellor, Angela Merkel, and that he was maneuvering to become the “power behind the throne in the new coalition government.”

Turns out he may not just be the power behind the throne: He could still ascend to that throne, as the Trumpet has been forecasting.

The Telegraph showed how the grand coalition formed between the conservatives and Social Democrats was actually being held together by the relationship of Mr. Stoiber and Social Democrats (spd) leader Franz Müntefering.

Things took an interesting twist on Tuesday, when Müntefering announced that he would step aside as party leader. And it wasn’t long before Edmund Stoiber turned down his cabinet post in the coalition government.

This could cause the entire grand coalition to collapse—casting doubt on whether Merkel will actually take the chancellorship.

What a mess.

Germany—Europe’s most populous country, possessing the world’s third-largest national economy—has preserved its status as the sick man of Europe. The nation has been suffering historic economic turmoil, including record unemployment. The country’s latest election was its people’s biggest opportunity to install a government that could bring about real change. Instead, as is now plainly evident, they voted for gridlock and division.

One thing appears certain: For Germany to get the leader it needs in order to cure its ills, the decision cannot be left up to the electorate. Someone may have to come in through other means. Whether he comes in this round, we cannot be certain.

But as the Trumpet’s editor in chief said shortly after Chancellor Schröder called for early elections last May: “Before this [election] crisis ends, a new Charlemagne will get control of the EU or Germany—or both. Bible prophecy makes that very clear. We believe this new leader will almost certainly come out of Germany. We also think the most likely candidate will be Edmund Stoiber. Even though Angela Merkel, leader of the victorious cdu [Christian Democratic Union], was chosen to challenge Chancellor Schröder this fall, there is also a lot of manipulating going on behind the scenes to form political coalitions.”

Yes, before this is all over, we will see a strongman take the lead of Germany—and Europe.

What is interesting, in light of recent events, is that we have repeatedly forecasted that this man will likely not get into office through votes. In a November 2002 analysis, Gerald Flurry quoted Daniel 11:21 to support this point: “And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.”

This is a prophecy for now. It refers to the man destined to lead a united Europe in a resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire.

Notice, this man obtains the kingdom “by flatteries.” Mr. Flurry wrote, “This man doesn’t come to power the honorable way—by being voted into office. He takes it dishonorably! He will work behind the scenes and come to power by flatteries—not votes!” (ibid.).

The election crisis in Germany has left open the possibility of this exact thing to happen very soon.

Daniel 11:21—and a companion mention in Daniel 8:23 of a “king of fierce countenance”—describes a man who will shortly come to power in Europe. We strongly believe, for several reasons, that this man will be Edmund Stoiber.

It will be interesting to watch Stoiber as he rides out this quandary. He conveniently distanced himself from Merkel throughout the campaign (even making a few slams at the former East Germany, where Merkel is from). And as Merkel, the lame conservative, sits atop a party ready to compromise itself into a coalition with opponents, he may have some revolutionary suggestions for how politics in Germany can be remedied.

Will he soon gain power by his “flatteries”? Will this be Stoiber’s way into the top seat?

Also interesting is that on Thursday, November 3, Stoiber will have his first official audience with the Bavarian Pope Benedict xvi—a man no doubt intrigued by the goings on of his Vaterland’s political situation. We have even pointed to the connection these two would have were Stoiber to gain a prominent position in Berlin.

Whoever the strongman of Germany will be, we know we are dangerously close to the time when Daniel’s prophecies will be fulfilled.

For more on where Germany is headed, please see our free booklet Germany and the Holy Roman Empire.