International congrats

With Merkel's win assured within minutes of the polls closing, US President Barack Obama was one of the first foreign leaders to call her on Sunday evening. According to a German government spokesman, the pair agreed that "the election of a strong German government would strengthen and deepen our cooperation."

A White House statement confirmed Obama's enthusiasm for his working relationship with Merkel, which has warmed considerably over the first few months of his presidency. "The United States and Germany are close allies, and partner together around the world to promote freedom, security and prosperity," the statement read.

Strong ties with allies

French President Nicolas Sarkozy declared, "This success is an impressive confirmation of the trust her fellow countrymen have in her." He expected Merkel's re-election to strengthen German-French relations.

"I know that, like me, she wants even stronger French-German cooperation to act in the service of Europe in the face of great global and regional challenges, in the face of climate change, and in the face of the economic and financial crisis," Sarkozy said in statement.

Britain's Gordon Brown was "looking forward to continuing their close working relationship," according to a Downing Street spokeswoman. With his own popularity nose-diving, Brown faces a tough general election campaign in the spring.

Conservative support

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Josef Proell welcomed what he called another success for conservative politics in Europe. "The election result shows that people reward responsible politics," he said.

Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi also applauded the result. In his phone call with Merkel, he underlined their "common vision of a strong and unified Europe."

Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt commented on the outcome of the elections on Swedish radio. The election victory for Merkel led to the dissolution of "a marriage of convenience," he said.

Reinfeldt called Merkel a politician that other leaders listen to, "since she is so knowledgeable, she is chancellor of Germany and she takes part in all discussions."

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt wrote on his blog that Merkel's re-election will "offer stability" to European politics.

bk/AP/dpa/AFP
Editor: Nancy Isenson