Merkel - direct on direction

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/dec/31/eurozone-crisis-angela-merkel-2013-predictions

In her new year message, the German chancellor warned that 2013 will be challenging , saying:

I know that many are also heading into the new year with trepidation. And indeed, the economic environment next year will not be easier, but more difficult. That should not discourage us, but - on the contrary - serve as an incentive.

And on the eurozone crisis, she was adamant that more work must be done, despite the progress made this year:

The European sovereign debt crisis shows us how important this balance is. The reforms we have agreed to are beginning to take effect. But we still need a lot of patience. The crisis is far from over.