ADENAUER’S PLANS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28386, 19 September 1957, Page 13

ADENAUER’S PLANS

Hopes Of New Coalition

BONN, September 18. West German political leaders met today to discuss the implications of Sunday’s General Elections in which Dr. Adenauer’s Christian Democrats were returned to power with an increased majority. The outgoing Cabinet will consider future plans, probably including prospects for formations of a new coalition when the new Bundestag (Lower House) next month elects its hew Chancellor, undoubtedly Dr. Adenauer. Although they command an absolute majority, many Christian Democrats want to include the German Party and the Free Democrats in any new government, but the Free Democrats are likely to refuse any offer. They will consider their position tomorrow. The executive of the opposition Social Democrats will hold an inquest into the electoral defeat. There are sure to be recriminations against the party leadership, including Mr Erich Ollenhauer, the Opposition leader, who is considered by many to be too retiring a personality to make a good leader for future campaigns. But the party’s traditional solidarity, may prevent the recriminations becoming public.