...and politicians are breaking out in a cold sweat. Yes, European politicians would love to hear the answer to the question: "When will this end?" No, politicians are no longer worried about the coronavirus, but about inflation, which has reached its highest point since the introduction of the euro.

While the unflappable European Central Bank just as unflappably claims that the record-high rise in various prices is temporary, politicians cannot afford to be so cool-headed and rational, as angry voters struggle with gas and heating bills and rising food costs, watching their hard-earned savings evaporate.