Schröder to seek early elections

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has taken the very unusual step of calling for early elections after losing the regional election in North Rhine-Westphalia.  Unlike many other parliamentary democracies where the timing of elections is at the discretion of the PM, Germany's constitution first requires the chancellor to lose a vote of confidence in the Bundestag.  The German President then must decide whether or not to call for early elections.  If he does not call for early elections, the current Chancellor remains in place until an alternative candidate receives a majority of votes from MPs.  This complexity is why it is almost unprecedented for Chancellors to pursue early elections.  Uncertainty over the election outcome, which at present lean towards the opposition CDU, will cast a shadow over the current EU budget debate and the beginning of accession talks with Turkey.