Social Democrats elect Steinmeier chancellor candidate

Frank-Walter SteinmeierBerlin - Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) formally elected Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier as the party's standard-bearer to oppose Chancellor Angela Merkel in the 2009 general elections.

At its congress in Berlin, the SPD delegates gave 95.13 per cent backing for Steinmeier as the party's candidate for chancellor.

The elections are scheduled for September 29, 2009. (dpa)

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