Voting begins in German election with race open (Reuters) Updated: 2005-09-18 15:29
But they were bitterly resented by voters, contributing to a string of
election defeats that raise questions about how much pain any party will be able
or willing to impose.
They also helped foster the rise of a new leftist party of former communists
and disaffected ex-Social Democrats that has shaken German politics and looks on
course to form the third largest party in parliament.
Spearheaded by former SPD leader Oskar Lafontaine, a bitter rival of
Schroeder's, the Left Party has been attacked by all the other main parties as a
pointless vehicle for protest votes.
But it is the party's strong showing, fueled by anger over the costs that
reforms have imposed on the poor and unemployed, that has upset the balance of
power and may deny Merkel the majority she seeks.
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