Search

Reports on Germany's parliamentary elections in 2002. Popularity gains for Gerhard Schröder as a result of flood disasters and a possible U.S. war against Iraq; Opponent Edmund Stoiber's focus on unemployment issues; How Schröder handled flooding in Germany, including quickly developing a reconstruction plan; Schröder's strong opposition to a war with Iraq; View that Stoiber is a better economic manager.

Focuses on the resignation of Helmut Kohl as honorary chairman of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany. Bundestag's investigation of a financial scandal involving the CDU; Suicide of CDU official Wolfgang Hullen; Kohl's refusal to name the sources of unreported campaign contributions; Impact on the party's election prospects. INSETS: The CDU's recovery will need...;A more convincing polish...;... or perhaps a completely new broom..

Profiles Angela Merkel, the front runner to become Germany's next Chancellor. Biographical and career details; Overview of Merkel's political campaign against Gerhard Schröder; Views of political analysts; How her experience in East Germany helped shape her pro-market philosophy; Observation that Merkel maintains a lead that would give her and her coalition partner, the Free Democratic Party, a narrow majority.

Reports on the political funding scandal in Germany's Christian Democratic Union. Former Chancellor Helmut Kohl's confession to having kept secret bank accounts; Chancellor Wolfgang Shauble's admission that he received a cash contribution from an arms dealer; The problems in the German government.

Focuses on Katherina Reiche, Edmund Stoiber's choice as his family expert for his election campaign in Germany. Complaints of conservatives that Reiche is an unwed mother and supports stem cell research; Career information; Qualities which make her an ideal choice for Stoiber, including being young and a woman.

Reports on the nomination of Angela Merkel to be the next chairperson of the Christian Democratic Union, Germany's scandal-plagued opposition party. Scandals which have plagued the CDU, including the admission from former Chancellor Helmut Kohl to operating an illegal slush fund to aid CDU candidates; Merkel's political shrewdness; Background information on Merkel; Inexperience which raises doubts that she will be the party's candidate for Chancellor.