Merkel urges voters to strengthen CDU's hand before coalition talks

GERMANY'S conservative leader Angela Merkel yesterday urged voters in the eastern city of Dresden to strengthen her party in a weekend ballot that will conclude the country's election.

She argued that a strong result would allow her to put a "strong signature" on the new government.

Ms Merkel and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder both hope that Sunday's vote in Dresden, which was delayed because of a candidate's death, will give them a boost in their power struggle. Mr Schroeder also was campaigning in Dresden yesterday.