Angela Merkel wins backing of CDU party

Angela Merkel was re-elected leader of her conservative parliamentary group today, receiving the support of 98

Angela Merkel was re-elected leader of her conservative parliamentary group today, receiving the support of 98.6 per cent of Christian Democrat (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) members, party sources said.

The level of support is above what Ms Merkel received in past years.

She was elected head of the CDU/CSU Bundestag group in 2002 with 92.2 per cent support and again in 2003 with a 93.72 per cent score.

The vote comes after Sunday's general election in which Ms Merkel's conservatives emerged as the strongest party, but performed far worse than anticipated.

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Unable to form a government with her preferred partners the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), Ms Merkel faces weeks of tough coalition negotiations with the leaders of other major parties.