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Voting begins in German election with race open
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-18 15:29

But they were bitterly resented by voters, contributing to a string of election defeats that raise questions about how much pain any party will be able or willing to impose.

They also helped foster the rise of a new leftist party of former communists and disaffected ex-Social Democrats that has shaken German politics and looks on course to form the third largest party in parliament.

Spearheaded by former SPD leader Oskar Lafontaine, a bitter rival of Schroeder's, the Left Party has been attacked by all the other main parties as a pointless vehicle for protest votes.

But it is the party's strong showing, fueled by anger over the costs that reforms have imposed on the poor and unemployed, that has upset the balance of power and may deny Merkel the majority she seeks.


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