Schröder will continue as Social Democrat leader

[Khephra]

BOCHUM, Germany Chancellor Gerhard Schröder was confirmed Monday to continue as leader the Social Democrats, securing the support of 80.8 percent of delegates at a party conference.

The Social Democrats re-elect their chairman every two years. Schröder's vote total Monday was down from the 88.6 percent support he garnered in 2001.

The vote by more than 500 delegates followed a keynote speech Monday in which the chancellor reached out to left-wingers by highlighting his opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq and stressed his commitment to the welfare state.

In recent months, Schröder has faced persistent unrest among party members over his efforts to trim welfare benefits and job protections to bolster the economy.

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