Gerhard Schroeder represents a new generation of German leaders who grew up with no personal memories of the Second World War.

He began his career in politics as left-winger, but moved steadily towards the centre during his eighteen years as member of the German parliament and eight as State Prime Minister in Lower Saxony Niedersachsen.

During this year's election campaign Mr Schroeder sought to prosent himself as the leader of what he called a new centre, emphasising the need for policies favourable to business alongside the traditional Social Democrat demand for social justice.

His approach -- which correspondents have likened to the policies of President Clinton, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair -- has attracted criticism from the more traditionally Socialist wing of the party, and recent polls suggest many Germans believe the leftist Finance Minister, Oskar Lafontaine, will wield considerable power in the new government.