1998 German elections

The 1998 German elections marked a significant political shift. Held on September 27, they resulted in the Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Gerhard Schröder, winning against the long-dominant Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which was under Chancellor Helmut Kohl. The SPD formed a coalition with the Green Party, leading to Germany's first Green participation in government. This election was notable for issues like unemployment, economic modernization, and the environment. Schröder's victory ended 16 years of CDU leadership and reflected changing public priorities and a desire for new policies in post-reunification Germany.