日韩精品久久一区二区三区_亚洲色图p_亚洲综合在线最大成人_国产中出在线观看_日韩免费_亚洲综合在线一区

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

CAUTION BEFORE RADICALISM

But voters appear to have bought Schroeder's warnings that Merkel would dismantle their cherished social welfare system, effectively redistributing money from the poor to the rich.

Sunday's result shows they rejected her approach in favor of a more cautious path, which financial markets fear will not bring the far-reaching change Merkel had promised.

The euro slipped in early Asian trading and investors predicted damage to stocks when trading begins in Europe.

"It's not exactly a dream result for markets and will lead to disillusion on the stock market," said Frank Schallenberger, equity strategist at LBBW. "Many market players had hoped for a conservative-led government pressing faster for reforms."

In foreign policy, Merkel had vowed to improve ties with Washington, strained by Schroeder's vocal opposition to the Iraq war, and prevent Turkey joining the European Union. Whether she will be able to see these policies through is now questionable.

There are other constellations besides a "grand coalition" that could work, but none have been tried at the national level and all could breed instability.

Schroeder could try to seal a so-called "traffic-light" coalition with the Greens and the liberal FDP, which did far better than anticipated. But FDP chief Guido Westerwelle categorically ruled out such an alliance on Sunday.

Merkel's conservatives and the FDP could also try to woo the Greens, but analysts said that was highly unlikely.

Another option that cannot be ruled out is brand new elections, if after weeks of coalition negotiations none of the major parties are able to form a majority government. This has never happened in the post-war Germany.

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