SPD Backs Schröder

Delegates at the SPD party congress in Nürnberg bolstered Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, giving him 88.6 percent of the votes for party leader. The outcome is a strong endorsement just days after the controversial vote in parliament over his decision to mobilize German soldiers for the war against terrorism in Afghanistan.

A visibly relieved Schröder said the election results were a confirmation of his work. "I know that I have your confidence and am proud of this fact," he told the delegates.

Running unchallenged, Schröder got a larger majority than in the last ballot two years ago. In 1999, he won 86.3 percent.

The party chairman is elected for a two-year term.