LOOKS LIKE A LOSS FOR SCHROEDER IN GERMANY:

Germany’s Christian Democrats, led by Angela Merkel, have narrowly won Sunday’s election, exit polls suggest. After voting ended Ms Merkel – who wants to introduce far-reaching reforms to revive a flagging economy – said her party had a “clear mandate” to govern.

However it is unclear whether her party has won enough support to form a government with the Free Democrats.

David Kaspar is predicting gridlock, while Bruce Kesler thinks its the end of the Franco-German axis and notes a connection with the Afghan elections.

UPDATE: Gateway Pundit notes that crapulent anti-Americanism didn’t work for Schroeder this time.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Chris Christner: Bush 7, Axis of Weasels 1.

MORE: Schroeder is refusing to concede. More here.

WestHawk’s advice: “Look after Afghanistan, ignore Germany.”

STILL MORE: Peaktalk looks at the later numbers and says no mandate for Merkel. Well, dang.

On the other hand, everyone — and I mean everyone — can be glad that Schroeder won’t be running naked through the streets as New Zealand Green MP Keith Locke will have to do in light of election results there.