German MPs vote no confidence in Schroeder's govt

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.

Schroeder told the MPs that he needed a new mandate to govern after a series of defeats in regional elections – but conservative opposition leader Angela Merkel branded him unable to govern after years of high unemployment and slow economic growth.