German Chancellor Merkel re-elected as leader of Christian Democratic Unit

[News_Editor]

German Chancellor Merkel re-elected as leader of Christian Democratic Unit

2010-11-16 06:20:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

BERLIN (BNO NEWS) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel was re-elected as leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on Monday despite recent doubts about her effectiveness to lead the German government, Deutsche Welle reported.

Merkel ran unopposed and received the support of around 90 percent of the party members. Two years ago, Merkel received 95 percent of the vote, although the slightly reduced support does not necessarily represent discontent from within the CDU.

The German Chancellor has been highly criticized by the party's right-wing, particularly over Germany's actions during the financial crisis that involved Greece. Merkel acknowledged the problems faced in the past but defended the CDU's record.

"The disappointment about the start of the Christian Democrat-Liberal coalition government is all the more serious because for 11 years, we waited, we fought, we hoped and we worked toward it," Merkel said.

The CDU and its junior coalition partner, the Free Democrats (FDP), were criticized over its actions last year such as the bailout for Greece during the Euro crisis. They were also criticized for extending the operating lives of nuclear power plants and an expensive rail infrastructure project in Stuttgart that caused massive protests.

Merkel defended her government's decisions over the controversial bailout on Greece by saying that she was determined to create a new culture of stability in Europe. She remarked that if the Euro fails, then Europe will fail.

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