[SunkenCiv]

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/article_1048828.php/Some_world_leaders_want_new_German_leader

Some world leaders want new German leader

Sep 17, 2005, 16:45 GMT

BERLIN, Germany (UPI) -- A European official has jumped into Germany's election campaign and publicly supported the opposition candidate.

Neelie Kroes, the European Union's competition commissioner, said Friday that she wants Angela Merkel and the Christian Democrats to beat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and the Social Democrats, The Australian reports.

Although they haven't been as publicly vocal as Kroes, both President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are rooting for Merkel.

Bush and Schroeder have tangled on many issues, especially the war in Iraq.

Blair hopes a change in Germany's regime will speed up European Union reforms.

Kroes said she wanted to see more female leaders in Europe.

Germany's election is Sunday.

Polls show Merkel's party with a slight lead, slim enough to force a coalition government that would reduce Merkel's power to enact the economic reform she wants.

Copyright 2005 by United Press International

[SunkenCiv]

Neelie Kroes, the European Union's competition commissioner.

[anonymoussierra]

thank you all

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"It is 1750 here now this is very close I will update after all is done I want Herr Merkel to win. This will close 1800 our time."

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