Merkel has been elected to fourth time to Chancellor after 171 days of German election.
Though Merkel's grand coalition government has 399 legislative seats, the German leader received only 364 votes to confirm her leadership. Merkel's fellow conservatives were quick to blame the closeness of the Bundestag vote on Social Democrats still unhappy with the prospect of another four years of a grand coalition.
Mrs Merkel will no doubt be relieved. But this is no glorious victory. The SPD - which had the final say on the coalition deal - has torn itself apart over the decision to renew the alliance. Many members still oppose it and the internal schism has worsened what were already dismal approval ratings.
There's also limited public enthusiasm for the union. Months of political wrangling (don't forget Mrs Merkel tried - and failed - to form a coalition with the Green and FDP parties) have done little to inspire confidence in Germany's established parties.
Merkel's relatively weak political position could make it difficult for her government to assist in instituting the reforms France's government is eager to introduce to the eurozone.
