Female candidate set to challenge Schroeder
Germany’s conservative opposition was today set to nominate Angela Merkel, a Protestant minister's daughter from the former East Germany, as its challenger to Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, giving her the chance to become the country’s first female leader.
Merkel, 50, emerged as firm favourite to challenge Schroeder a week ago, immediately after the chancellor called for national elections to be advanced by a year, prompted by a shattering state election defeat for his party.
Three years ago, Merkel, the chairwoman of the main opposition Christian Democrats, stepped aside to let Bavarian governor Edmund Stoiber, the leader of the sister Christian Social Union party, challenge Schroeder. This time, she has the Bavarian group's support.
Asked whether Merkel or Stoiber would lead the opposition challenge, senior CSU MP Michael Glos told German television before conservative leaders met: “Her, naturally.”
Merkel has said unemployment – currently running at 12% – and sluggish growth will be at the centre of the opposition’s campaign. She has signalled that she would move to reform rigid labour regulations if elected.
The conservatives are to present their full policy platform for the elections - likely to be held in mid-September – on July 11.
Merkel criticised the strident tone of Schroeder’s criticism of US policy on Iraq during and after the last election campaign, and has said that good relations with the US should be a “fundamental element” in German policy.
Polls have shown a strong lead for Merkel’s conservatives over Schroeder’s Social Democrats.
While Schroeder has long enjoyed an edge in personal popularity over Merkel, a poll released on Friday showed her moving ahead.
