Merkel also features on the very first cover, depicting her looking worn out and lying atop a hydraulic ramp as a mechanic in a Volkswagen hat says “with a new exhaust pipe, she’ll be good for another four years”. The caption reads “VW stands behind Merkel”. The cover is a commentary not only on the Chancellor’s recently announced bid to run for a fourth term next year, but also on the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal that greatly damaged the car manufacturer’s reputation and the country’s faith in its trusted firm.