The German government made a budgeting error to the tune of €60 billion (us$64 billion) when it repurposed unused pandemic emergency funds for its climate agenda. This is, according to a November 15 court ruling, unconstitutional. The governing coalition argued for almost a month while crises around the world were exploding. On December 13, a new budget was announced—and the average citizen is now accountable for paying for the budgeting error. Germans are not amused.

Germany public broadcaster ard noted on December 7, the anniversary of the signing of the current coalition agreement, that the government is less popular than ever. Only 17 percent of respondents are satisfied with the coalition and a mere 20 percent with Chancellor Olaf Scholz specifically (the lowest figure for a chancellor since the ard DeutschlandTrend started polling).

Contributing to the plummeting polls was the budget crisis that was threatening to break up the government. Sueddeutsche Zeitung wrote on December 8: “Olaf Scholz must have imagined the second anniversary of his chancellorship differently: Instead of celebrating the successes of his so-called progressive coalition, he has to fight for its continued existence.”

The coalition has survived—for now. Disputes were put aside and everyone was forced to compromise. But dissatisfaction is sure to grow.

N-tv.de commented on December 13:

The prices of electricity, gas, petrol and diesel will rise at the beginning of the year, as will the prices of flights and plastic products. … Many citizens will see this as a further imposition. They too will be asked to pay because the government has gambled away with debt.

That’s how the average German looks at the current government. The people pay for the ruling class’s incompetence. Again and again, the government is focused on internal disputes and self-made crises instead of serving the people and leading internationally.

While the current government fails to meet expectations, another leader is rising. The Trumpet has watched this man closely since 2009: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.

Through a new book, LinkedIn comments, a podcast series, talk shows, interviews and speeches, the former defense minister is regaining the popularity he lost in 2011 due to a plagiarism scandal. As a result, many want him back, as we can see in this exchange with Ausburger Allgemeine:

Some of your readers on LinkedIn would like nothing more than for Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg to return to the political circus.

Guttenberg: Why should I? My time is over.

You should never say never.

Guttenberg: I know. I can say 17 times that my departure is final, and some just don’t want to believe it. …

Doesn’t it flatter you that some people are still calling for your political comeback?

Guttenberg: I find that rather surprising.

As the failures of the present coalition build up, more and more could ask Guttenberg to return. And his recent activities could be mistaken for exactly such a comeback attempt. He even gives public talks that could be mistaken for campaign speeches.

Guttenberg, along with his podcast’s cohost Gregor Gysi, gave a public talk on December 12 in a sold-out hall. On many occasions, the two former political opponents flattered each other. Guttenberg even joked about founding a new party with Gysi.

The same Gysi also appears in Guttenberg’s new documentary, which flatters Europe’s most powerful institution: the Roman Catholic Church. Again and again, Guttenberg praises the church, claiming it cannot be replaced with the yoga mat.

By flattering and being flattered, Guttenberg is building connections that could allow him to rise to even greater prominence than he had as Germany’s most popular minister. The current failing government certainly gives the former political star a stronger glow.

He also taps into a power that is stronger than opinion polls and people’s wishes. The Catholic Church has influenced politics for centuries, taking the role of kingmaker. Based on this history, the Trumpet has long foretold a new European leader would rise with the blessing of the church.

In this context, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has often pointed to a prophecy in the Old Testament and a parallel prophecy in Revelation 17. Daniel 12:9 shows that this book contains prophecies for a time long after Daniel recorded them, when man’s government will be replaced by God’s (Daniel 2). Mr. Flurry often draws attention to Daniel 11:21, which notes that the leader of the last world empire will come to power through “flatteries.” Revelation 17 adds that the power of this leader will be augmented and even guided by a woman—a biblical symbol for a church.

Today, few observers would call Germany and the European Union a rising empire. Even fewer believe the Catholic Church could once again usurp such influence. And even fewer believe Guttenberg could rule this empire. But Bible prophecy foretells that Europe’s return to Holy Roman Empire status is sure, and Guttenberg appears to be its most likely leader.

Mr. Flurry maintained this forecast even when Guttenberg withdrew from the limelight. Today, he is back—at a time when Germany and Europe need a strong leader and more people are calling for a European superpower. This fact alone should give us reason enough to watch this man closely and to watch Bible prophecy.

For a detailed study on this subject, start by reading Mr. Flurry’s article “Is KT zu Guttenberg About to Come to Power?”