- Angela Markel, German Chancellor
It was not a surprise that Angela Merkel's conservative union CDU/CSU won the nation's parliamentary elections, gaining the highest percentage since reunification of Germany in 1990, slightly missing an absolute majority. Christian Democratic Union together with its ally Christian Social Union won 41.5% of the votes. Meanwhile, the opposition left-wing Social Democratic Party received 25.7% of votes. The main disappointment came from Merkel's preferred coalition partner- the Free Democratic Party that received only 4.8%. Nonetheless, election makes Angela Merkel the fourth leader in German history as the nation's prime minister for three consecutive terms.
Also Monday a separate report showed activity at Europe's services and manufacturing sectors expanded September, however manufacturing PMI slowed slightly. Markit Economics said a gauge of activity in manufacturing sector stood at 51.1 this month, down from its 26-month high of 51.4 a month earlier. As for services, the PMI advanced to 52.1 from August's 50.7, while flash PMI reached 52.1. These data rounds off the best quarter for the Eurozone for over two years and are cementing the view the economy has finally turn round and will be gathering momentum in coming months.
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