Europe could be next mission for Merkel's 'Mr Fix It'

Peter Altmaier of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) arrives at the Parliamentary Society for exploratory talks about forming a new coalition government in Berlin, Germany, November 15, 2017. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

BERLIN (Reuters) - Peter Altmaier once said he would never rise to the top tier of German politics because of his appearance -- he is a huge man who seems perpetually dishevelled, with shirt untucked and tie askew.

But Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff and stand-in finance chief could become the most influential minister in her next coalition government, senior officials say.