Merkel set to take over as German leader

The outcome of the German election cycle has been hidden by the nacht und nebel (night & fog) of political warfare. The final tipping of the balance apparently came after the completion of a special election which resulted in victory for the CDU candidate.

Christian Democrat leader Angela Merkel is set to replace Gerhard Schröder as Germany’s next chancellor, in a political deal that will see the departure of Mr Schröder from the national political stage, senior members of the ruling Social Democrats have told the Financial Times.

Auf wiedersehen Herr Schroder. You won’t be missed by the Chief.