Poll Puts Merkel Ahead of Schröder (Germany, fundies taking over?)

[shawn703]

German opposition leader Angela Merkel has moved ahead of Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in opinion polls for the first time with a general election expected in September, a new poll showed on Friday.

To the question of whether they would prefer Merkel or Schröder as chancellor, 50 percent of the respondents opted for Merkel with Schröder receiving 44 percent, the poll for ZDF state TV showed.

Until now, Merkel has always trailed behind Schröder who is considered to be more charismatic.

The daughter of a Protestant pastor who grew up in the former East Germany is expected to be named the conservative Christian Democrats' candidate for chancellor, giving her a chance of becoming Germany's first woman leader.

The poll of 1,162 people showed Merkel had a clear lead in support among women, with 50 percent to 43 percent, but she was also ahead with men, 49 percent to 45 percent.

However the German leader is not directly elected by the voters, but by members of parliament after a general election.



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