Wednesday, 23 November 2005By Cihan
Published: Wednesday, November 23, 2005
zaman.com
The first female chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel took office on Tuesday, November 22.
The winner of the early elections on September 18 and opponent of Turkey's European Union (EU) bid, Merkel was elected with 397 votes in the vote of confidence conducted at the Federal German parliament, Bundestag.
Reportedly, despite the coalition government having 448 seats, 51 coalition deputies said "no" to Merkel.
The fifty-one vote loss from the "grand coalition" established between Christian Union Parties (CDU/CSU) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) under the leadership of Merkel lead to comments suggesting that the female chancellor's task will not be an easy one.
The daughter of a priest, Merkel is at the same time the first chancellor of East German origin.
The recent flexibility of Merkel regarding Turkey's EU membership has also drawn attention.
The CDU leader has promised improvements in the economy in addition to improved relations with the US, as well as New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sao Tome, Principe Islands, and Mozambique who are also governed by female prime ministers.
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Wednesday, 23 November 2005
zaman
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