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.