Berlin - The German Defence Minister, Mr Rudolf Scharping, once one of the dullest politicians in a country not known for its flamboyant political scene, has turned himself into a star with a love affair that could cost him his job.
Once deemed a shrewd, solid and dependable comrade by his Social Democrat party colleagues, Mr Scharping's love-struck gaffes over the past couple of weeks have left even allies wondering whether the 53-year-old is bent on political suicide. Allegations that he used military jets to visit his wife-to-be, Countess Kristina Pilati von Thassul zu Daxberg-Borgreve, have prompted opposition calls for his resignation and are the most serious dip yet in a rollercoaster career.
Even if the allegations prove wrong, his behaviour will leave the impression he is putting his love life before his job.