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German Leaders Seek Political Coalitions Amid Election Stalemate
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=F0BAE7:3919ACA

Sunday's general election gave no party a clear majority in parliament





Gerhard Schroeder, left, and his challenger Angela Merkel, after the
parliamentary election in Berlin

German political leaders are racing to form new governing coalitions
after Sunday's general election gave no party a clear majority in
parliament.

Both Christian Democrat leader Angela Merkel and the Social Democrats'
chief and incumbent, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, have claimed the
right to be chancellor. Ms. Merkel's party edged out the Social
Democrats in the election by three seats in the 598-seat lower house.

The two major parties are now in talks with a medley of possible
coalition partners, but for now have ruled out a so-called "Grand
Coalition" between the two of them.



Business leaders and the head of the European Commission, Jose Manuel
Barroso, have urged a quick end to the stalemate.

On Monday, German stock prices fell amid the election uncertainty and
skepticism over enacting financial reforms in Europe's biggest
economy.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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