On 25 October 1990, German cartoonist Walter Hanel paints an ironic picture of the political, economic and financial influence of a united Germany and the major role the country intends to play on the European stage. This policy seems to be irritating the other European partners, who observe the action of the new Germany under Chancellor Kohl with suspicion. In the background, French President François Mitterrand, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands are worried to see Germany taking centre stage.