Germany's centre-left Social Democrats have named Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as their candidate to run against conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel in next year's federal election.
Steinmeier, who is also vice-chancellor of the coalition government, said the SPD chairmanship would go to former party leader Franz Muentefering. He replaces Kurt Beck who resigned on Sunday. Social Democrats Pick Steinmeier to Fight Merkel in German Poll ...
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In-form Nadal sees off qualifier ... The party shake-up is being seen as a return to a reformist agenda with both Steinmeier and Muentefering favouring economic reforms touted under Gerhard Schroeder's leadership. The SPD is currently far behind the conservative parties in the polls and is keen to emphasise a united front before the 2009 election.
(Deutsche Welle)
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