Germany’s Social Democrats Begin Search for Answers

Germany's once-proud Social Democrats suffered an historic defeat on election day in September 2009. Now, the party is gathered in Dresden, November 2009, to begin the search for answers - and for a fresh start. But a new poll indicates the road to recovery is, if anything, getting longer.

Sigmar Gabriel replaced Franz Muenterfering at the helm of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) on the 13 November 2009.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Germany: Parliamentary Election, 27 September 2009 (Federal Election) http://www.europeansources.info/record/germany-parliamentary-election-27-september-2009-federal-election/

Deutsche Welle, 14.11.09: Steinmeier lashes out against Merkel coalition http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4893528,00.html

Deutsche Welle, 13.11.09: Germany’s Social Democrats elect new leader after poll rout http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4891938,00.html

ESO: Background information: Germany’s SPD to launch early campaign http://www.europeansources.info/record/germanys-spd-to-launch-early-campaign/

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