Italy’s Prime Minister Nudges German Chancellor Toward Growth

President François Hollande of France, Germany’s traditional diplomatic partner, came to power in May promising to redirect Europe’s priorities from Ms. Merkel’s campaign of austerity to growth. But it is Mr. Monti who has emerged as the uncontested leader of the “pro-growth” forces, and who persuaded Ms. Merkel to take perhaps one of the largest steps toward European integration since the euro crisis began.