December 9, 2002. Copyright, 2002, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Profile of German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, December 9, Graphic News:  In happier times Gerhard Schroeder liked to joke around with reporters. Fourth wife Doris Kopf is a political journalist herself and GermanyÕs first couple were considered as media savvy as the Clintons.

But these days the laughs are on them, and the roguish grin has finally faded from SchroederÕs face. The couple has been sent thousands of garments after some joker suggested the chancellorÕs 48 new taxes meant he wants Òthe shirts off our backÓ, and there is even a Tax Song in which a mimic echoes his promise to cut joblessness.

But unemployment, which now tops four million, is the only thing growing in EuropeÕs former engine room, and SchroederÕs popularity has dipped six points to 30% since he beat conservative Edmund Stoiber in September to win his second term.

That election, as in 1998, was fought on the slogan, Òa modern chancellor for a modern GermanyÓ, but the jury is out as to whether he has the vision to deliver on this. At 58, he is the first post-war leader not burdened by the weight of the past, and ought to have no scruples about promoting Germany on the world stage.

Like Bill Clinton, he has milked to good effect his familyÕs tough upbringing by a single mother in the village of Messenberg in Lower Saxony. He fulfilled a childhood ambition by one day driving to her door in a Mercedes. This ambition got him through law school, after which he became chairman of the young socialists and in 1990 Minister-President of Lower Saxony. That Schroeder still has the common touch (despite a fondness for cashmere and cigars) was clear when he toured the flood-hit former east this year.

But now the whole economy is in deep water and the ripples extend across Europe. He has dismayed EU partners by promising to cut defence spending and angered his electorate by increasing taxes. Still, he wonÕt touch outdated labour laws. Many Germans now want evidence that, beyond the charm and ambition, Schroeder has more to offer.
/ENDS