Germany's Christian Democrats, led by Angela Merkel, have come out narrowly ahead in Sunday's election.
Mrs Merkel has said that she believes she has a mandate to form a new government, though to do so she needs the support of other parties.
But Germany now faces days and possibly weeks of uncertainty, after Gerhard Schroeder has also claimed he has a mandate for his Social Democrats.
What do you think of the outcome of the election? How will the result affect Germany's future? What should be the priorities for the next term?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion received so far:
Schroeder does not know when to bow out gracefully. His time is over. He has accomplished very little during his term in office. It is time for a change. Let a woman take the reins for a while and see what happens. I support Andrea Merkel and hope she is the new Chancellor.
Nikki, Hamburg, DE
I am glad that the CDU did not get a mandate. I voted for Schroeder. What Germany really needs is a drastic reform of business practices, which Ms. Merkel would never be able to deliver. Germans need to realize that change at all levels is needed, it wouldn't hurt to have some vision which neither party demonstrated.
Monika Hemmers, Philadelphia, USA
The outcome is awful and was driven by fear and egotism to lose something. Schroeder was embarrassing in his perceived triumph as he was demagogic in his election campaign. The best way out of this mess is now a Jamaica coalition (black, yellow, green), because an environmental conscience can work well with an economic renewal. Should Schroeder stay chancellor it will just keep me from coming back to Germany. There is no future in a Schroeder run Germany.
Katja Rieger, Kansas City, USA
I am a German living in the UK. It was a big relief for me to hear that there is no majority for the CDU/CSU/FDP coalition. I could live with a big coalition under Gerhard Schroeder. Schroeder and Muentefering are brilliant politicians who kept us out of the Iraq mess. I want them in office no matter what the coalition is.
Christoph, London
 |  A grand coalition is a difficult and unworkable solution |
This is the worst result that could have happened as it doesn't give a clear mandate for change or stability. Instead it leaves Germany, a country for which I feel a lot of affection as my one time adopted home, in its current stale middle ground. I fear that a grand coalition is a difficult and unworkable solution, unable to make the difficult decisions that have to be made on economic reform if Germany is to be revived as a serious player. Both parties agree that change is needed, but internal arguments about the speed of these changes may cripple the process of reform itself. I hope that isn't the case, as we could do with an example of what can be achieved in Europe with economic reform, revitalising the EU.
Phill Adams, Leeds Although I'm not favouring the conservatives, I find Gerhard Schroeder's disrespect for the voters' decision unbearable. Our nation voted, his fraction is no longer the strongest in the parliament to be built, thus, he has to accept that he will no longer be chancellor - whatever he wishes to be. It seems that our country wants the bigger parties to focus together on solving our nation's problems rather than to discuss what the other party has done wrong. Politicians: accept that you are only carrying out the nation's will and accept that your power stems from us. Maybe a coalition of the two biggest parties is what the German nation wants and needs!
Martina, Frankfurt, Germany
The problem is that Germany needs to make some pretty unpopular changes to its structure, and no one would vote for those changes. Germany is driving towards a brick wall with its foot on the gas pedal and everyone is enjoying the ride. No one wants to slow down or change direction. Eventually they will hit the wall and the country will collapse, but by then many of the voters who choose this government will be retired or dead.... so it won't be their problem. The attitude appears to be "live for today, and let your children suffer the costs tomorrow".
Nathan Hobbs, Luton, UK
The actual choice for Western governments is how they face the unemployment capitalism brings, in one of two ways - either through the welfare state and high unemployment, or through the small state and millions of working poor. I hope that there are fresh elections, and people will give the Greens a bigger backing to push for the big, hard choices that must be faced by the world. For any Germans read, please remember that at least a Green vote counts for something in your country!
Chris, London, UK
This farce pretty much kills any possibility of proportional representation in the UK.
Jon, London UK
It is clear that the neo-liberal economic agenda of CDU/CSU has failed. Although Schroeder proved almost destructive of the welfare state, he seems more able to safeguard labour rights and entrust the social character of the German State. Let's hope that the result will be beneficial for the majority of Germans and especially those unemployed or severely disadvantaged.
Stamatis Kotouzas, London, UK
What is clear is that Frau Merkel is finished. Short of some extremely unlikely coalition including the Greens or the Left, the only mathematic possibility for the CDU/CSU to get into government is the so-called grand coalition with the SPD. The SPD will know this, and are therefore likely to block the leadership of any such coalition by Frau Merkel, or accept it on such terms that Frau Merkel would have to govern to the SPD's agenda. The SPD of course has an alternative in an arrangement, whether formal or informal, with the Left (despite the price of this, at least in the formal version, probably being Schroeder himself). This alternative will prove a huge asset in coalition bargaining.
James Dowden, Birmingham, UK
No one seems to be making enough of the significance of the Left party's performance. It is this that means that all the usual coalition permutations are out. I would like to know why the Left have been ruled out of negotiations by both the SPD and CDU - or have they ruled themselves out? For my own part I am glad to see someone challenging the smug neo-liberal consensus. Wish someone would do it in the UK too.
Clive, Brighton, UK
| Everyone knows that "we want change", but Merkel, Schroeder did not explain how they intended to do this |
This result was inevitable - the parties never explained their manifestos in public. Everyone knows that "we want change", but Merkel, Schroeder did not explain how they intended to do this! They did not dangle a carrot in front of the public, so no wonder people were undecided.
MB, Munich, Germany Happily, there is a majority of German votes against a neo-liberal corporate-friendly policy under the leadership from a b-class politician. During the next weeks Merkel will be disassembled by her own party. She is definitely too weak to become chancellor. Schr' will -however - stay in charge.
Stefan Meyer, Kassel, Germany
Even the best dancer leaves the stage. Mr Chancellor should reconsider his decision of not forming a coalition with Merkel. A coalition may be the better option to move Germany to another level. It doesn't have to be a majority win to better things because the best ideas may be limited to a hand full.
Richard Matila, Kampala, Uganda
Who said "first past the post" was bad - it may be slightly unfair in some respects, but at least we here in the UK end up with a viable government!
Mike, Nottingham, UK
Only a grand coalition can pull Germany out of its economic sluggishness. This way one party will not spend its energy and try our patience trying to block the other, usually out of spite.
Marton, Munich, Germany
It is always amazing how the media presents itself as objective but repeats the language of the neo-liberals as fact. 'Germany needs reform' for example is branded around as if it were a truism. The election result is excellent! The Left Party has over 50 seats and a chance exists to stop the march of neo-liberal capitalism in the heart of Europe. Well done Germany!
Heiko Khoo, Berlin Germany
I was deeply disappointed by the unclear results. People here are too satisfied with their social system they don't really want to make the changes needed to preserve it. Germany cannot close its eyes and think globalisation will go away. The black and yellows would have given us back some dynamic of innovation and competition. I hope we aren't condemned to stagnate for 4 more years.
Victor B, Frankfurt am Main
Germany needs to open up and invite in a lot more foreigners and we need to feel welcome so we can contribute to the German economy. It is a good system and with a red red green coalition the defining benefits of the social market can be maintained and built upon. We need inclusive politics, a minimum wage, free nursery schools and a good national health service open to all on the basis of need like we have in the UK today and Germans had before, in the DDR.
Paul Bright, Luton, UK
| The welfare state mentality of the German people is a major problem |
The seeds of Germanys current problems were sown long ago. Reunification without creating a special economic zone for former East Germany was a huge mistake. The welfare state mentality of the German people is a major problem, (the pie is only so big and we all want our share). Even if Angela Merkel were a Margaret Thatcher, which she is not, she would not be able to do anything constructive. I do not see a significant change with a German government dominated by CDU and/or SPD. If Germans come to their senses and put FDP in power, then things would improve.
Fred, Juelich, Germany In the grand scheme, I am not sure this really matters much given the inevitable move toward a unified EU where individual nations loose control and sovereignty. Besides, Germany seems to play such a small part in the world anyway and does not seem to have much outside influence. Most likely, changes will only be felt inside the country.
Charles, USA
Actually, any coalition that comes to power will have a large majority. The problem will be coming to an agreement within themselves. I'm a Brit who's lived here for 25 years. Although I'd be a natural SPD voter, I did consider a few months ago that a CDU absolute majority might be the best thing to end the current stasis.
Dave Weatherall, Munich, Germany
Well it looks like the country has let itself down. The last thing we need is uncertainty and a continuation of politics as they have been. Some clear leadership and radical policies on the economy are needed, but it seems that we are not willing to "bite the bullet" and are hoping for a miracle to happen that will get us back our economic strength without any pain. I think another few years of stagnation are ahead.
H Jakob, Berlin, Germany
Schroeder campaigns very well, but he has been dramatically bad for Germany as well as for Europe. His political stances are opportunistic demagoguery in order to get votes. I sincerely hope he will be pushed out.
Edouard Prisse, Baambrugge, Netherlands
I feel it is a shame that the German people have not grabbed the chance to take some decisive action for their future. Unless the overall global economy picks up, more German business will relocate to the equally well educated but by unit cost cheaper countries to the south and east. In four years time the medicine for what ails Germany could be even more painful.
Jason, Frankfurt
I am and most Turkish people are very pleased with the election results that ended with a stalemate. This election result is also important for the EU accession process and indicates that Merkel being against Turkish accession to EU did not win her more votes, this election result is a success for a broader vision of global peace and cooperation among the West and the Islamic world.
Tolga Alav, Turkey
The outcome is still unclear since there has not yet been an election in Dresden, and according to German media there could be a shift of three seats. It is clear that reforms are necessary, but also that nothing will happen without a wider consensus. The cheap rhetoric of the flat rate tax proposal has cost Merkel her clear lead, and overall the centre-left has a majority. A left-right coalition may appear the only way out of the deadlock, but this government will not be able to make the changes that everyone in Germany calls for.
Walter, Hull, United Kingdom
I can't understand why the result is being labelled "confused" and "chaotic" by the UK media. It's an example of PR in action. German voters think that the CDU go too fast with their reforms and the SPD too slow. They have voted for a combination - which is what they will get if a Grand Coalition comes to pass.
Ian Ridley, Oadby, Leics, UK
I am German but I have lived in the UK for the greatest part of the last three years. I must admit that the election results disappointed me a lot. It seems that the German people are afraid to support a much needed change of government. I think that a grand coalition is an illusion - it may provide stability but it will make much needed reforms impossible and will probably lead to another election in a year's time. What Germany needs now is not maintenance of the status quo nor another year of indecision and petty arguments. What we need is a stable government that does not consist of two totally opposed forces.
Claudia Worth, Fuerth, Germany The German voters love the Socialist policies of the SPD, but hate the results-unemployment, no growth. They would love to have a prosperous economy, but will not get one till they focus on building an opportunity based society.
Tom Harwick, Emmaus, PA USA
A coalition between CDU and SPD looks like a horrible solution; too many differences between them, on important matters. I predict a similar coalition as it was until yesterday, with Gerhard Schroeder's previous partners, the Greens and probably the Free Democrats. Too sad, we are going to have a renewal of the pro Turkish political line.
Athos Agapitos, Lefkosia, Cyprus
It must be nice to have an electoral system where 36% of the vote doesn't give you a 66 seat majority.
Chris Lowe, Cambridge UK
I am in Germany at present and what is most disappointing is the shameless self promotion of Schroeder, despite coming second in the election. His agenda is dominated by self-empowerment and preservation irrespective of the consequences to the country. Typical behaviour for all modern politicians, who believe that their ego is more important than the future and well-being of those they supposedly serve.
Callum, Amherst, USA
I see opportunity in a grand coalition. The one time in post-war Germany where there was such a coalition, the economy was able to navigate its way out of recession. The German economy today is in dire need of reform and it is time that both major parties take ownership of that reform.
Jakob Funkenstein, Seattle, USA The fat cats in the unions still run Germany. They need breaking before any progress is to be made. Sadly the German's stubbornness to change refused to do that today.
Kye, Celle, Germany
Germany has once paid off radical ideas; does it really want to go this way? Schroeder's stance on the war against Iraq and Turkey's membership of the European Union has made his position clear. He has faced difficult challenges as a chancellor, so failure in some doesn't make him incompetent.
Ehsan Z, Kerman, Iran
The Germans have once more proven to be a deeply democratic people who vote according to their beliefs and are not brainwashed by the media. Mr Shroeder is a true leader.
George, Katerini, Greece
It is clear from the results, that Stoiber has again lost the election for the Union. Both he and Merkel should step down in favour of new blood.
George E. Todd, Hochstadt, Bavaria
I've just watched the post-election round table with all six party leaders and I cannot believe the farcical show that Herr Schroeder continues to put on. His entire election campaign was built on ridiculing the opposition without providing any definitive answers himself as to how Germany should progress. A grand coalition looks like the only option and this itself is a very sad reflection of the current state of affairs. No party has demonstrated any realistic vision of how to pick Germany up out of the doldrums. The infighting will soon begin. I'm packing my bags.
Natalie Oetama, Hamburg, Germany If the CDU is forced into a grand coalition we will not have the economic reforms Germany so desperately needs. The Hartz IV reforms of Schroeder have failed to reduce the 11.4% unemployment rate.
Stuart Nicholas, Frodsham, Cheshire
We desperately need a change in this country, and I fear that now we will not achieve what so many hoped for. Problems began in the 1970s, not just with Kohl, and no one faced up to reality. Interestingly enough no one comments on the more than thirteen million who did not turn up to vote. How many people are disillusioned and truly depressed in this country. I cannot bear to think of four more years of Schroeder.
Jens Bricke, Hamburg, Germany
What a spectacular defeat for the right! I have just been to Berlin and the truth is that the Germans don't want CDU in power. They just want jobs but they do not want to lose the great state that ensures everything runs great in terms of public services. If Merkel gets to govern all the Germans will get is the disastrous Thatcher policies that have brought services to its knees on the UK
VT, London
I am pleased that MS Merkel's CDU are not having it all there own way. Her party will punish the poor. Good to see the left making gains as well, at least the election is exciting not a one sided race which we are used to in the UK.
Ryan C, London
I sincerely hope that Angela Merkel will form the next Government after today's results. I live in this country and it is in a terrible state after 7 years of SPD Rule. There are so many things that need to be taken care of, the economy, the welfare system, the health system and of course the tax system. The whole country is in a mess economically, socially etc. Only Angela Merkel's policy will wake the German Nation from its long sleep as the night is well along the way.
Joy Butler, Wiesbaden
Another weak government looms for Germany. If Merkel becomes Chancellor, she will find it impossible to achieve anything meaningful. If Schroeder returns, he will probably get even less done.
John Lunney, Dublin, Ireland This election won't allow for the changes needed for Germany to fix its economy. If Merkel is in charge, but has a parliament that is unwilling to work with her, things will get worse before they get better. The days of massive socialist entitlements must end if Germany and most of Europe, is to remain viable in the new global economy. The cradle-to-grave welfare state, is just about dead.
DB, Minnesota, USA
This is a vote to strengthen the power of corporations at the expense of ordinary people. This same choice was made by US voters and now we're "enjoying" declining real wages, longer work hours, and reduced benefits - while, at the same time, the wealth gap is accelerating. Bad choice.
Dave Morris, Berwyn Heights, US
A projected 36% share of the vote shows that Germans by and large haven't been pushed into accepting hard right monetarist reforms as punishment for the economic damage that the CDU did when it was last in power and completely under-estimated the social and economic costs of reunification. A Grand coalition, or some desperate horse trading to give either the CDU or the SPD a wafer-thin majority is hardly ideal, but it will at least keep the monetarist wolves at bay. Besides, unstable government never seems to do Italy any harm.
Dez I, Glasgow
| I'm not particularly looking forward to another four years of indecision |
Anyone who understands the stuttering German economy with its 5 million unemployed and its welfare state, which is far too expensive to maintain in its present form, knows that drastic reforms were needed. Such reforms would have required sacrifices across the social spectrum. Apparently the German electorate are not prepared to make such sacrifices. I deeply believe that they will regret having missed the opportunity to improve the long term chances of the unemployed, the poor and above all the young. I'm not particularly looking forward to another four years of indecision and continuous change in policy which the election result as it stands at the moment promises.
Bob, Buchloe, Germany I am Cuban/American I am extremely happy that Mr Schroeder is out of office. Hopefully Mrs Merkel will put a stop to Spain's support for the Castro regime in the European Union.
Ramon Fernandez, Miami, USA
Economically this is certainly a step in the right direction. I just hope that her government will not change Germany's foreign policy as far as Iraq is concerned. It was Schr's proudest moment to keep the country out of this mess and I hope this decision will not be reversed.
Bettina Quellhorst-Pawley, Oxford, UK
It's good to see at least some Germans did not buy into Schroeder's 'vote for me because I oppose America' platform, and did not ignore the tragic 11% unemployment. How can anyone think that the European welfare state works? We across the pond, with our harsh (as you Europeans see it) system have under 5% unemployment. If Merkel can really reform the German system, and let the Germans be competitive, then all power to her. But I am afraid she did not get enough votes for that. Just like here the left opposition will do all it can to oppose economic freedom.
Adam, West Orange
The main problem with democracy is that everybody is given an equal vote. The SPD had a couple of useful ideas for reforms, but strangely enough those people that would have benefited from those reforms were the first to protest against them. The reforms the SPD tried to push through were picked apart until that, which we have today, has very little to do with the concept they started with. Unfortunately politicians are more interested in serving their parties than serving the German people. They would rather block a good idea brought in by someone else than admit that work together - even though often their own proposals are almost identical to that of their opponents.
Alexander Knop, Bremen
A nation's response reflects the state of the people and vice versa. It remains to be seen whether Germany is in a protracted cultural decline. Socialism is sapping the spirit of Germans. They need to put their country back in order. People expect too much and they expect it from government. We are not born, so as to become wards of the state.
Michael, Toronto, Canada
The election campaign has been terrible, lacking in any serious debate about the future of social democracy and mired in a ridiculous fracas over VAT increases. But that will be asking too much from Merkel if she has to govern with the Social Democrats.
Sappan KC, Paris, France
As an outside observer, I am hopeful that Germany will shed its welfare-state mentality and begin to encourage economic growth and jobs. Also, with rapprochement with the US, Merkel will deal more affectively with the Iranian nuclear issue.
Brian Monroe, Boston, USA The problem is not just Germany's and many other European countries including France have to adjust to the new World economy. 35 hour working weeks and excessive social welfare benefits can not be supported when you are in competition with the likes of China and even Eastern European countries. Whoever gets in will have a problem getting necessary reforms through as the vast majority of the population still think there is a source of free money somewhere that the government can always rely on to support the infrastructure. I am bewildered at Germany being the number one exporter since many products are no longer actually manufactured in Germany. I'd like to see the numbers before I could believe this. However, one top of the range Merc or BMW costs more than thousands of cheap socks made in China.
Andrew Davis, Miami, US
Angela Merkel is the only one that appears to have a clear vision for the future, whether it is about the economy or about Turkey's entrance to the EU. Her win will provide a much needed leadership not only for Germany but for Europe as a whole
Matt, NYC
Gerhard Schroeder has had two terms to deliver and has so far failed. He was re-elected on a shamelessly opportunistic anti-American platform and for that has no principle. He's had his chance and failed.
Toks, London, UK
I think the CDU/CSU will emerge as the largest party, but who they'll have to rely on for a coalition partner remains to be seen. I certainly think a Merkel Chancellorship would be better than another Schroeder one.
Al, Brentwood, Essex
Germany is about to get its Margaret Thatcher. And they need one.
Jim, USA
I think Schroeder has steered Germany through a very difficult period. But, I don't think he's going to be given the chance of enjoying the fruits of his endeavours. If the CDU/CSU win and Germany enjoys an upturn in the next five years it will be because the SPD under Schroeder has laid the foundations.
Stephen Lediard, Munich, Germany
I am English and have lived in Germany now over 20 years. The problems in Germany today have their roots in the past when Helmut Kohl CDU was Chancellor. The government made many mistakes - Helmut Kohl saying the reunion would not cost us a penny when it blatantly clear that the absolute opposite was true, also they failed to take in to account the demographic changes which has left a huge hole in the pension system. Having said all this I am not sure who I would vote for if I had the chance, but one thing is certain Schroeder is by far the better Statesman after having listen to both of them.
Stephen Tapp, Bavaria
I think it is time for a change in Germany. Mr Schroeder out and Angela Merkel in! Mr Schroeder has shown that he is no friend of the USA, in a time when good relations between the USA and Germany should be important. The continuing high unemployment in Germany is also some thing that needs to be taken care of.
Paul, New Jersey, USA
Germany's main problem has been incorporating East Germany into its structure. Merkel may be best placed to do this but we all must hope that she isn't a covert neo-con. Germany's still the largest economy in Europe and the world's biggest exporter so its system works
Tom, Belfast
I'd like to see the German welfare state succeed. It's a good place for families, with the strong safety nets provided by a benevolent state.
Philip Hotlen, Bellingham, USA
| I don't think there's much of a difference between CDU and SPD |
I do hope that CDU get back in power, for the sake of Germany. I don't think there's much of a difference between CDU and SPD in their ability to improve the German economy, but as long as they're dependant on coalition partners CDU will have a far better chance getting the necessary policies through.
Christine, UK As an Englishman living in Germany for the last four years I am desperately hoping for a CDU lead coalition which is now looking possible. I am no particular fan of either CDU or SPD but a CDU election victory would give the party control of both houses and finally provide direction to the rudderless state that the country finds itself in. The election campaign has been terrible, lacking in any serious debate about the future of social democracy and mired in a ridiculous fracas over VAT increases.
Christopher Leek, Frankfurt, Germany
Like Christopher, I too am an Englishman in Germany. I am desperately hoping for a change in government here. I am self-employed and am looking to the new government to start clearing up the mess of 7 years of misgovernment by the SPD and Greens and to promote work through lower taxes and measures to reduce unemployment. This is going to be a close election, although on the record of the SPD to date it should really be a landslide for the CDU. All power to Angela Merkel!
Dave Whitehead, Backnang, Germany
I believe the end result is going to be a hung parliament, even though Angela Merkel will win. The main priority for the government will be to reduce the number of people unemployed, but at the same time I believe there should be a reduction in the power of trade unions which is hampering economic development and competitiveness. But that will be asking too much from Merkel if she has to govern with the Social Democrats.
Navin, Colombo Sri Lanka
Merkel is set to win but her majority will be very small. This will mean that key reforms may not be passed through, hampering her efforts in reducing unemployment. Merkel's choice of coalition partner will also determine her success or failure as a German leader.
Jan Neumeister, Hanover, Germany Schroeder may be a political heavyweight, a veteran (if you will) but his policies have destroyed the German economy. At a time when German manufacturing needs to be more competitive, it is failing the German people. Enough is enough, and Angela Merkel's programme of reforms seems to be the only alternative on offer. Because of its status in Europe, we should all be concerned about Germany's election.
Steve, Selwyn College, Cambridge
It is time for a change. The biggest concern is the unemployment - and nobody should be foolish enough to think that any of the big parties can solve this problem in one or two years. Merkel has the right vision, even the reforms will be hard in some cases, but there is no turning back.
J, Dresden
Schroeder had his chance and accomplished little, and certainly even less than he originally promised. It is simply time for a change...welcome Chancellor Merkel.
Thomas Lohr, Hamburg, Germany
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