German Elections Still Up In The Air

From Davids Medienkritik 2005 German National Election: Unexpected Results:

+++UPDATE+++: Because of the relatively close CDU-CSU results relative to the SPD, both Schroeder and Merkel are laying claim to the Chancellery. It still looks like the CDU-CSU has the better position, but anything is possible, with Schroeder pointing to the fact that he is far more popular than Merkel in a one-on-one comparison. It may be that the distribution of seats is a virtual tie between the CDU-CSU and SPD because of the direct election of candidates. In the case that the SPD ties or pulls slightly ahead in terms of overall seats, Schroeder may still be able to remain Chancellor.

From EU Referendum - Paralysis in Berlin

That is the verdict of The Guardian, one of the first of the British newspapers to respond to the German general election. There is a good chance, it says, that the near-stalemate will lead to a grand coalition of the two biggest parties - and to stagnation instead of reform.