This led to a knock-on effect as Schröder quickly brought and deliberately lost a motion of confidence in the Bundestag and subsequently dissolved it. With the election looming, parties were forced to accelerate the selection and announcement of candidates; Angela Merkel was announced as the CDU/CSU's Chancellor candidate just a week after the election in North Rhine-Westphalia. These developments greatly overshadowed the state election and its local consequences, which receded into the background of coverage. Polling conducted by Forschungsgruppe Wahlen reported that the poor economic situation, unpopular federal government, and weak perception of the state government were the most decisive factors in the outcome. On the key issue of unemployment, voters trusted the CDU much more than the SPD. Government formation The CDU and FDP quickly began negotiations for a coalition government. The former were led by Jürgen Rüttgers, while the FDP were led by lead candidate Ingo Wolf and state chairman Andreas Pinkwart. The draft coalition agreement was presented less than a month after the election on 17 June, and quickly ratified almost unanimously by both parties. The new Landtag was inaugurated on 8 June, and Regina van Dinther was elected President. Jürgen Rüttgers was elected Minister-President two weeks later on the 22nd, winning 99 votes in favour to 87 against. His cabinet took office on 24 June. External links References Elections in North Rhine-Westphalia