在线国产一区二区_成人黄色片在线观看_国产成人免费_日韩精品免费在线视频_亚洲精品美女久久_欧美一级免费在线观看

Merkel, Schroeder both claim election victory
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-19 06:50

RIVAL CLAIMS

"We are the strongest party and have responsibility for forming the next government," said Merkel, the pastor's daughter from the former communist East Germany, who may yet become Germany's first woman chancellor.

But a beaming Schroeder told cheering SPD members: "There will be no coalition under her leadership with my Social Democrats ...

"I don't understand, and I am certain the people of Germany also don't understand, how the conservatives can claim a mandate to lead from such a disastrous result ..."

A provisional official result was not likely to be published until after midnight local time (2200 GMT). If it remains tight, Germans may have to wait weeks to know the shape of their next government.

Voting in one district in the eastern city of Dresden has been delayed until October 2 because of the death of a candidate and that by-election could now be decisive.

Whatever constellation results, the vote appears to be a blow to those who had been seeking a clear shift after seven years of "Red-Green" government under Schroeder.

German growth is now the slowest in the 25-nation European Union, unemployment went above the 5-million mark earlier this year for the first time in the post-war era, and the deficit is set to breach EU limits for the fourth straight year.

Merkel had argued that Germany should accelerate reforms that Schroeder introduced.

She vowed to cut bureaucracy, ease rules on firing and cut payroll costs to reinvigorate Germany's economy -- a path that some experts thought other countries in Europe might follow if she was successful.

Page:

1

2

3

Close

Clinton Global Initiative Summit Schwarzenegger seeks re-election in 2006 Suicide bombing kills at least 152 in Iraq

Today's Top News     Top World News
China's new North Korea proposal praised         New cotton strain to raise output by 25%         Sirens mark anniversary of Japan invasion         China lauds stable yuan since July revaluation         Relief at hand for thirsty northern cities         Merkel, Schroeder both claim election victory	Millions of Afghans vote, defy Taliban threats       Merkel, Schroeder both claim election victory       EU powers start work on Iran nuclear resolution       Sharon seeks disarmament of militants       Chavez: US plans to invade Venezuela       Afghanistan holds first parliamentary vote in 30 years