As Scholz is set to become German Chancellor, “Traffic light” shines.

Berlin, Dec 8, 2008 : .Germany has a new leader after more than a decade.

SDP leader Olaf Scholz was confirmed Wednesday as the new Chancellor.This brings an end to the Angela Merkel eraScholz, 63, will lead the three-party "traffic lights" coalition.

The name is derived from the colours of the constituent parties, SPD (red), Free Democrats(yellow) and the Greens.He received 395 votes to303 in the Bundestag, and was then given a standing ovation.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier then officially appointed him as the ninth Federal Chancellor.Merkels 31-year-long political career is over with the elevation of Scholz, who was Vice-Chancellor in the Merkel dispensation.

His 16-strong cabinet will likely include as many women and men as men.vd #Scholz #German #Chancellor #Germany.