Germany Weighs Next Move After Election

[Astronuc]

By GEIR MOULSON, Associated Press Writer

BERLIN - Conservative leader Angela Merkel and the chairman of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's Social Democrats said Monday they both had initiated contacts with potential coalition partners as they wrestled over what government will emerge from Germany's inconclusive parliamentary election.

Merkel urged her rival's party to "accept that they are not the strongest party" after Sunday's election and enter talks on a broad right-left alliance under her leadership. But within minutes, the chairman of the Social Democrats, Franz Muentefering, said he had written to other party leaders to invite them to hold talks on a new coalition.

"I have initiated contact with the offices" of the other parties, Merkel said.

She added that she, like Schroeder, would refuse to hold talks with the Left Party — an alliance of ex-communists and former Social Democrats angered by the chancellor's efforts to trim the welfare state.

Merkel is a physicist btw.

More at - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050919/ap_on_re_eu/germany_election

The rise of Angela Merkel - BBC

and

Angela Merkel received her degree in physics from the University of Leipzig and her Ph.D. from the Central Institute for Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences, in East Berlin.

from http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/281/5375/336

How cool is that?

 

[Lisa!]

I see why you're interested!

 

[kerimek]

I find it interesting to see how political leaders in Germany are approaching the aftermath of their recent parliamentary election. It is encouraging to see that both Angela Merkel and Gerhard Schroeder are already reaching out to potential coalition partners in an effort to form a stable government.

I am also impressed by Angela Merkel's background in physics. It is always refreshing to see leaders with a diverse range of skills and experiences. I believe her scientific training and analytical thinking will serve her well in navigating the complexities of forming a coalition government.

I am also curious to see how the Left Party's anger towards Schroeder's policies will play out in the formation of the new government. It will be important for all parties involved to put aside personal differences and work towards finding common ground for the betterment of the country.

Overall, I am eager to see what the future holds for Germany and how Merkel's leadership will shape the country's political landscape. I believe that evidence-based decision making and collaboration are key to finding solutions to complex problems, and I hope to see these principles reflected in the new government.