Also, that any attempt to convince the Germans that their chosen policy is actually against their national interest because it cannot attain its stated objectives is pretty much doomed to fail because of the character of ideological hegemony and the self-serving character of the ideology to a German audience (since "we're virtuous" is an essential plank).

What I am wondering is how this is playing in Germany. Is austerity popular (guessing yes)? And if so is it important in the sense that those that support it would consider voting otherwise should for example CDU change their tune (guessing no)?

The importance of the second question is agency. If the population supports austerity (abroad of course) but would shrug if policy is changed, then the politicans could change politics with minimal poll losses. So then the reasons - and potential levers - must be found elsewhere.

A vote for PES is a vote for EPP! A vote for EPP is a vote for PES! Support the coalition, vote EPP-PES in 2009!