High party expectations: Challenging times for chancellor Angela Merkel - je 01.12.2008 10

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats have started their party conference in Stuttgart with the worst global crisis in decades taking center stage. Merkel has called for a measured response to the downturn, saying the economic stimulus package enacted by her government should be given time to work before any further action is taken. But that's not enough for many in the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union who want tax cuts before general elections in September of next year. Among them were bringing greater stability to the global financial system, keeping euthanasia illegal, and making it easier for older Germans to remain part of the work force. All of these she said were ways the CDU could bring its Christian vision to the world of politics. Also central to that vision she said - was financial responsibilty and the avoidance of public debt.