German election race still open as campaign nears end

Germany’s acrimonious election campaign heads into the final stretch with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and conservative challenger Angela Merkel trading barbs to the last minute – reflecting the tight race that will decide the path Germany takes in trying to end years of economic stagnation.

Addressing a key theme of past days, Schroeder’s government denies it is hiding plans for sweeping budget cuts until after Sunday’s vote. Although few expect Schroeder to stay in power, polls suggest the vote may yield no clear majority and the two main parties may be forced into an uneasy coalition.