Greens nominate balanced duo for federal polls

In a direct vote, Green Party members selected nominees for Germany's 2013 federal election in November 2012. As expected, a top-ranking member, Jürgen Trittin, the Green Party's co-chair in the German parliamen came first.

More susprisingly, was the second choice of Katrin Göring-Eckardt, who had served in parliament for 14 years and serves as its vice president. The 46-year-old chairs the synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany and is known for her gentle manner. She defeated popular female challengers, like party head Claudia Roth and the other co-chair of the parliamentary group, Renate Künast.

Long a leading moderate, Ms Göring-Eckardt is seen by analysts as a centrist, well-placed to challenge the existing Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

• Primary Source

Reuters, 10.11.12: Greens nominate duo to spearhead 2013 election campaign http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/10/us-germany-greens-idUSBRE8A90CS20121110

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