German leaders are gathering to mark the 15th anniversary of the country’s reunification, an occasion that comes amid economic gloom and uncertainty over the future.

GERMANY slid into political chaos yesterday after an inconclusive election left chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his challenger Angela Merkel wrestling for the right to form a new government.

CONSERVATIVE challenger Angela Merkel claimed a mandate to form Germany’s next government - but an exuberant chancellor Gerhard Schroeder refused to concede defeat after his party did better than expected in yesterday’s election and insisted that he should lead the next administration.

German-born Pope Benedict XVI took to the broad Rhine river to preach to his flock from the bow of a cruise ship on his homecoming trip to his native land - his first foreign trip as Pope.

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in his native Germany today for his first foreign trip as Pope, a journey that will emphasise outreach to Jews and Muslims and evangelising a Europe that has drifted from its Christian heritage.

A BATTERED Gerhard Schroeder yesterday persuaded parliament to agree to hold risky early elections, almost seven years after he swept to power with promises to revive Germany’s economy.

Germany’s parliament voted no confidence in Gerhard Schroeder’s government at the chancellor’s own request today, setting the stage for new elections amid economic sluggishness and growing discontent.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder today formally set in motion his proposal for early German elections as his office notified parliamentary leaders that he plans to hold a confidence vote July 1.

The European Union Constitution cleared its final legislative hurdle in Germany today, with the upper house of parliament overwhelmingly approving the charter, two days before French voters have their say on the document in a referendum.

The European Union constitution was set to clear its final legislative hurdle in Germany today as the upper house of parliament votes on the charter, two days before French voters have their say in a referendum.

President George Bush and his wife, Laura, will attend the Pope’s funeral, the White House said today.

Leaders from 30 countries gathered today to remember the victims of the Holocaust on the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazis’ Auschwitz death camp by Soviet troops.

President Mary McAleese is to join world leaders at Auschwitz in Poland to mark the liberation of the Nazi death camp, it emerged today.