Jun 08 2009
Merkel says EU vote boosts reelection hopes
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Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday her partys strong showing in European elections has boosted her chances of winning a second term in power when Germany holds national elections in September.
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This result gives us the courage, power and confidence to move decisively forward and our chances at the national elections have grown clearly since yesterdays vote, a decidedly upbeat Merkel told reporters.9 percent of the vote while its rival Social Democrats plunged to a record low of 20.
Final results published on Monday showed that Merkels Christian Democrats CDU and its Bavarian sister party the CSU won 37.
The gap with the SPD has clearly, you could even say sensationally, risen to 17 percent, Merkel said.8 percent.
All in all, it is a good starting point for the next 110 days, she added.
She said that last Sundays election was not a test vote for the September poll but it shows a trend and we will use this trend for our work in the next few weeks.
Acknowledging that the result was disappointing, SPD chief Franz Muntefering told reporters What is clear is that we are sticking firmly to our political line.
Meanwhile, SPD leaders sought to put a brave face on the partys European poll performance which was widely described in the media as a debacle.
The SPD mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit said There is no reason to go into mourning. . We are going to fight.
