Merkel emerges with prize from Hesse poll

Germany’s two biggest political parties were on 28 January 2008 both claiming victory after a bellwether regional state election ended in a dramatic photo-finish. The effective electoral tie in the western state of Hesse, previously a stronghold of the Christian Democrats of the chancellor, Angela Merkel, was heralded as a 'majestic victory' by Kurt Beck, chairman of the rival Social Democrats, who came within a decimal point of scooping first place. However, despite the SPD’s undeniable gains in the vote on the 27 January 2008, most analysts still saw Ms Merkel as the long-term beneficiary.

Deutsche Welle, 28.1.08: Lessons Learned, Hesse Leaders Scramble to Form Government http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3092951,00.html

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