Not such a grand outcome

3 October 2005 By Nina Koeppen

Gerhard Schroeder is finally on the way out. A grand coalition is likely to follow. That s better than stalemate, but not much. The election was billed as a break with the past. But it looks like delivering more of the same consensusled politics.

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Germany's CDU/CSU managed to extend their lead over the SPD, following a special election that was held in Dresden on October 2. With 226 seats, the conservatives now command four parliamentary seats more than the Social Democrats, who have 222 seats.

The Dresden vote came two weeks after Germany's general election, held on September 18, because of the death of a candidate in the district.

The result was closely watched, since the main parties have been unable to form a government so far. CDU/CSU and SPD are expected to resume talks on October 5.

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