German Chancellor Angela Merkel has won a mandate from her parliament - ahead of a crucial EU summit - to boost the fire power of the euro zone rescue fund.<br/> Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the motion which also ensures German taxpayers' money won't be poured into the fund.<br/> Merkel also said the European Central Bank won't be directly involved - something France had favoured.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL, SAYING:<br/> "The goal of tonight's discussion will be that the EFSF with its capacity will have a great effect on the prevention of contagion and this deterrence, this impact must be great enough. There has been a broad public debate and I say it again: All models that involve the ECB are not on the agenda tonight."<br/> But as the vote took place ECB chief Mario Draghi signalled the bank will continue to buy the bonds of troubled states - temporarily at least.<br/> Either way it was looking like a long night for European leaders.<br/> Merkel has considerable bargaining power and knows there's deep resentment in Germany about the bailouts of weaker states,<br/> But she also knows there's a need for unity.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL, SAYING:<br/> "Germany can't do well if Europe doesn't. That's why the most important goal for the government must be that Europe emerges stronger from the crisis. This means Europe must become a Stability Union."<br/> But few were expecting a detailed solution from the summit, only broad agreements.<br/> Kirsty Basset, Reuters.
