Catherwood LibraryILR School

In his first major domestic policy move since his reelection last month, Germany?s Social Democratic Chancellor Gerhard Schroder is replacing the country?s separate economic and labor ministries with a ?super-ministry? that will have jurisdiction over policy and issues in both areas. The wide-ranging department will be headed by Wolfgang Clement, who earned the respect of both business and labor groups through his successful efforts to fight decline in traditional manufacturing sectors while developing high-tech sectors in North Rhine-Westphalia, during his premiership of this most populous of Germany?s states. Economic and employment issues played a major role in Germany?s recent chancellor elections (see WIT?s for Aug. 12 and April 1, 20002), and Mr. Schroder?s campaign drew significant benefit from promises of action aimed at combating high unemployment.