That's what the Economist is advising Germany. They're probably right.

UPDATE: A very sharp and unusually blunt assessment from the Dutch NRC Handelsblad too:

More than five million unemployed are left standing with empty hands. And that already for some time: Schroeder once announced he would leave if that record number was ever achieved. But it is impossible to get him to leave and he continues to smile arrogantly, undisturbed. Unemployment, the weak economy, problems in the east and the aging population are a good reason for everyone to make some serious adjustments. But the Germans have to really want it. With this election result they have indicated that they want to keep things as they are. You have to respect that choice, regrettable as it is.

ONE MORE UPDATE: If you were wondering about Schroeder's arrogance, take a look at Ralf Goergens' account of the SPD-leader's TV-performance yesterday. Revealing stuff.