Merkel feels 'good' to be Germany's 1st female Chancellor

Conservative leader Angela Merkel today confirmed a coalition deal that will make her Germany’s first female chancellor under the terms of a power-sharing agreement that would end Social Democrat Gerhard Schroeder’s seven years in office.

Speaking at a news conference, Merkel said the parties had agreed to formal coalition talks on an outline deal she called “good and fair,” and said the parties agreed that “there is no alternative to a reform course” for Germany.

The two parties were “obliged to be successful,” she said, and expressed confidence that she would find agreement on a common foreign policy with the Social Democrats.

She also said she favoured a strong relationship with the United States, and added that she felt “good” to become Germany’s first female chancellor.

The chairman of the Social Democratic party there’s been no announcement yet on whether Gerhard Schroeder will serve in the new German government.