BERLIN - Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder may call for an early national election after being defeated in a regional poll. Voters of his North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) have rejected the SPD party (Social Democrats), after 39 years in government.
According to a television survey only 29% voted for the SPD and 46% votes for the CDU. Voters appear to be unhappy with the SPD welfare reform suggestions. He now has to convince his voters that the CDU reforms will be even more painful.
The German Chancellor is hoping for a new election by Autumn 2005.
Germany calls early election
