[German Chancellor] Schroeder quits as party leader

[goobergunch]

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has announced his resignation as chairman of his Social Democrats party.

"I will concentrate on my work as chancellor and head of government," he told a news conference.

The decision comes after mounting criticism in the party of his economic reform agenda and record low ratings.

Mr Schroeder named Franz Muentefering, the party's current parliamentary group leader, as the man he would like to succeed him as chairman.

more...http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3465671.stm

[RFKHumphreyObama]

1. Unfortunately Schroder is Germany's version of Gray Davis

He has been in power during some very tough circumstances and has had to make some very unpopular decisions that have cost him dearly in the electorate -and his style has also alienated voters. He holds a narrow majority in Parliament and the German neo-cons are doing whatever they can to undermine him and they seem to be succeeding.

I see remarkable similarities between Schroder and Gray Davis (and I'm not just talking about the fact that both were elected in 1998 and reelected in 2002). Like Davis, Schroder was lucky to have won reelection in 2002 and I think mostly only won because he used Iraq as a wedge issue and brilliantly divided the opposition in the process. And, like the Republicans in California, the conservative oppositions have never fully recognized the legitimacy of his victory. I can recollect Edmund Stoiber's semi-concession speech in which he made it perfectly clear that he would be prepared to use whatever means necessary to undermine the Schroder government and seize power

It would be a shame to lose Schroder because I view him as a man of great courage and vision when it comes to foreign policy -unlike Blair, he actually stuck to his principles and opposed the war in Iraq. But I doubt he can survive much longer and I think the conservatives will probably regain power soon -which will have the White House and the Bush Mis-Administration rubbing their hands with glee

[BayCityProgressive]

2. If this is what is needed to keep the Social Democrats in power

than I support it. It is sad to see him go, but if someone more popular can take his place I would prefer that to the alternative.

[Fenris]

3. Mach's glück, Herr Muenuetefuentefering!

What a name!

Müntefering looks simpler.