Berlin  - The unexpected resignation of Germany's economics minister has revealed stress fractures in Chancellor Angela Merkel's unhappy political alliance.

The resignation tendered by Economics Minister Michael Glos comes just months ahead of general elections due September 27, and in the midst of an unprecedented global financial crisis.

Glos, who is 64, said at his age he no longer sought a position in a new post-September government. It's no secret however that there were strains in his relationship with Bavaria's premier, Horst Seehofer.

Berlin  - German Economics Minister Michael Glos said late Sunday he would submit a formal resignation request to Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday, but confusion over his replacement remained.

After a weekend of frenzied activity within his Christian Social Union (CSU), two contenders for Glos' post emerged Sunday evening. The issue was likely to be clarified following a high-level CSU meeting Monday.

Berlin/Munich  - In a surprise move, German Economics Minister Michael Glos offered to resign Saturday, less that eight months before the country votes in a general election, but the offer was promptly turned down by his party boss.

In a letter to Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Horst Seehofer, the 64-year-old Glos cited age reasons and the need for the CSU, after disappointing state election results last fall, to renew itself ahead of next fall's general elections.

Berlin  - In a surprise move, German Economics Minister Michael Glos offered to resign Saturday, less that eight months before the country votes in a general election, sources close to the minister said.

The sources confirmed a report in the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, which said the 64-year-old minister had informed Chancellor Angela Merkel of his intention.

Berlin  - German Economics Minister Michael Glos offered to resign Saturday, less that eight months before the country votes in a general election, sources close to the minister said.

The sources confirmed a report in the newspaper Bild am Sonntag, which said the 64-year-old minister had informed Chancellor Angela Merkel of his intention.

Glos is a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU).

Berlin - German Economics Minister Michael Glos has offered to resign, the newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported on Saturday.

The newspaper said the minister had informed Chancellor Angela Merkel of his intention.

Glos is a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party of Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU).

The 64-year-old Glos expressed his desire to step down in a letter to CSU leader Host Seehofer, who is also president of the southern German state of Bavaria.