Schroeder move set to lead to new elections

German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder plans to hold a parliamentary confidence vote by the beginning of July, the chairman of his Social Democratic Party said today, a move that would mean new elections must be held by September 18.

Social Democratic chairman Franz Muentefering said he plans to hold a confidence vote in the lower house of parliament before the lower house of parliament breaks for its summer recess. Its last scheduled meeting is July 1.