(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The popularity of Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel is increasing in Germany, according to a poll by FG Wahlen released by ZDF. 50 per cent would prefer to have Merkel as head of government.

Current chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) garnered the support of 44 per cent of respondents. Schroeder has headed the German government since October 1998, winning a new four-year mandate in the September 2002 election.

On May 22, the Christian Democrats won the election in North Rhine-Westphalia with 44.8 per cent of the vote. The Social Democrats had been involved in the government of Germany's most populous state since 1966. While the next parliamentary ballot was tentatively scheduled for September 2006, Schroeder has openly suggested holding an early federal election. A confidence vote is expected before the end of the legislative period on Jul. 1.

For the past six months, voting intention polls have consistently suggested that the CDU, its coalition partner the Bavarian Christian-Social Union (CSU) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) could elect enough lawmakers to the 603-seat Federal Diet to form the next administration. Yesterday, the CDU officially named Merkel as its chancellor candidate.

The last CDU federal government spanned from October 1982 to October 1998, under chancellor Helmut Kohl. Germany has never had a female head of government.

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