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Angela Merkel elected Chancellor

Congratulations: Gerhard Schröder congratulates Angela Merkel, who becomes the first woman ever to head a German government.

The German parliament elected Angela Merkel to the office of Chancellor. Gerhard Schröder's successor is the first women ever to head a German government.

Angela Merkel received 397 out of a possible 612 votes, obtaining the absolute majority needed to be elected Chancellor on the first ballot. On Friday, November 18, the CDU/CSU and SPD, signed an agreement on the formation of a government coalition. The new cabinet will consist of sixteen members.

Letter of Appointment: President Horst Köhler presented her with a certificate of appointment.

After her election Merkel drove to Charlottenburg Castle, where President Horst Köhler presented her with a certificate of appointment. Merkel is the eighth postwar German Chancellor, the first women and also the first eastern German to hold this office.

November 22, 2005

Link

Chancellor Angela Merkel's CV

Government & Politics