German Social Democrat Schulz chosen to challenge Merkel in electionMarch 20, 2017 - 09:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Martin Schulz on Sunday, March 19 officially became Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief rival at Germany's September general election, leading the leftwing challenge to unseat arguably the world's most powerful woman, AFP reports. The bearded Social Democrat, already credited with giving his ailing party a strong shot in the arm, was unanimously elected SPD leader and standard bearer at a one-day congress in Berlin. In a speech to the SPD rank and file, the 61-year-old attempted to harness this momentum against Merkel, whose conservatives just a few months ago had an apparently invincible lead in the polls. "Starting now the fight begins to become the top party in the country and take over the chancellory," Schulz told the party congress. Schulz's decision to leave the European Parliament, which he headed for five years, and become a candidate for German leader has given the Social Democrats a new lease of life since ex-party chief Sigmar Gabriel asked him to take the reins in January. "It's been encouraging to see in the last few weeks that people are hopeful again that the Social Democrats have a shot" at election victory, Schulz told Berlin public radio RBB this week. "My intention to pursue policies that make the lives of hard-working people a little better is apparently finding a lot of support." Opinion polls have recorded a 10-point jump for the SPD in recent weeks with some placing it ahead of the conservative bloc behind Merkel, who is hoping to win a fourth term in office. The SPD congress has fired the starting gun for the national election campaign and also the race for three German state polls, the first of which will be held in Saarland on the French border, on March 26. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |