Germany's "Margaret Thatcher" to be Named Chancellor

PEJ News - C. L. Cook - Germany selected it's first woman Chancellor today following weeks of coalition government deal-making and sometime bitter denunciations between Germany's two largest parties. The selection of conservative, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader, Angela Merkel is seen as a move away from outgoing Chancellor Gehardt Shroeder's attempts to revitalize Germany's economy and social safety net.

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Germany's "Margaret Thatcher"
to be Named Chancellor

C. L. Cook

PEJ News
October 10, 2005

Though yet to be officially announced, it seems Germany's "Chancellor Wars" have reached a cease-fire today with Germany's ruling Social Democrats' declaration of an agreement to share power with the Christian Democratic Union and the naming of CDU leader, Angela Merkel as Chancellor. Gehardt Shroeder left doubt he will remain a part of the new coalition government, saying: "I have a different plan for my life."

Merkel, as well as becoming the first woman to hold the post, will be the first German born in the former communist to do so. The former physicist says: "We have set our aim to create a coalition that stands for new policies," adding, "We want to work together for the people of this country."

Part of that work is believed to be a strengthening of relations with the United States of America, damaged over the Iraq war and occupation. Though refusing to go into foreign policy specifics, Merkel cited Iraq, saying "That doesn't mean we [Germany and the U.S.]have to agree on every issue, but there needs to be a good trustful relationship."

Germany has been in political flux since September's general election that failed to grant a majority mandate to either of the country's two largest political parties.

At a press conference today, Merkel said: "We have achieved something big," Through lengthy negotiations, in addition to the chancellery, her party has secured six ministries, including justice, labour and social affairs, and the foreign office. This could be bad news for the 11+% of unemployed Germans who, after seeing a reduction in social benefits under Shroeder, are expecting worse to come from the conservative Merkel's government.

Among the CDU's ambitions for economic reform is a flat-tax, and a greater embracing of international trade.

Commenting on her new responsibilities, Merkel said: "This new start and new coalition offers us new opportunities. We are obligated to achieve success. We must succeed."

Angela Merkel assumed the leadership of the Christian Democratic Union in 2000.

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