The Kohl era came to a close Sunday, as German voters decided that 16 years of conservative government was enough, and tabbed Social Democrat Gerhard Schroeder as chancellor of Europe's most pivotal nation. By a margin of 41 to 35 percent, the left returned to power for the first time since 1982 as Germany aligned itself politically with left-leaning governments in France and Britain. For Helmut Kohl, it also marked the end of his political career. Kohl told supporters during his concession speech that he was retiring.
Germany's Left Turn
The Kohl era came to a close Sunday, as German voters decided that 16 years of conservative government was enough, and tabbed Social Democrat Gerhard Schroeder as chancellor of Europe's most pivotal nation. By a margin of 41 to 35 percent, the left returned to power for the first time since 1982 as Germany aligned itself politically with left-leaning governments in France and Britain. For Helmut Kohl, it also marked the end of his political career. Kohl told supporters during his concession speech that he was retiring.
