Germany gets its first female Chancellor
After three weeks of debating over which configuration of political parties would make up the next government, the German people finally have an answer. The two major players, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have struck a deal, joining together to form a “Grand Coalition”. Angela Merkel of the Christian Democratic Union will now take over from Chancellor Schroeder, as Germany’s first female leader. The portfolios have been divided, with the Social Democrats taking eight – those of foreign affairs, finance, labor, justice, health, transport, environment and development. While Merkel’s CDU and sister party the Christian Social Union (or CSU), will take six portfolios, those being: defense, economy, interior, agriculture, family and education. Meanwhile there is speculation about Schroeder’s role in the new government, with the possibility that he may bow out of politics now that Merkel has been named the new German leader. Cinnamon Nippard has more from Berlin.