Beleaguered German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder geared up Tuesday for possible early elections with a party platform aimed at fighting off a strong challenge from conservative rival Angela Merkel and a mounting threat from the left.
Schroeder, whose Social Democrats (SPD) are trailing Merkel's Christian Union alliance by a 20-point margin in the polls, insisted the new "manifesto" was a clear continuation of his economic reform agenda but with a defence of the social welfare system missing in the conservative programme.
Party leaders agreed unanimously on the 41-page platform called "Trust in Germany" which offers more benefits for families with children, a tax surcharge for top earners to generate new funds for research, a minimum wage and an overhaul of the state health system.
"The SPD is and will remain this decade's determining force for reform. That is what I stand for," Schroeder said.
The programme also defends the SPD's priorities in foreign policy - including Germany's right not to participate in wars launched by a key allies - in a clear reference to Schroeder's vocal opposition to the US-invasion of Iraq which helped him win re-election in 2002. He also stressed the strategic importance of EU enlargement including the aim of one day integrating Turkey into the bloc - a goal Merkel has adamantly rejected.
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