Chancellor's position remains uncertain in wake of election
BERLIN - Germany's opposition leader Angela Merkel and the chairman of Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's party made their first contacts with potential coalition partners Monday in a scramble for power after the country's inconclusive election.
Voters denied both Schroeder and Merkel a majority, but each is demanding the chancellor's office. Their struggle could last weeks, even as business leaders and economists warn decisive action is needed to invigorate the sluggish economy.
Germany's foreign policy - addressing such issues as Turkey's bid for European Union membership, Iran's nuclear program and U.S. relations - also remains on hold.
