paid eastern European immigrants are snatching their jobs. The conservative opposition have jumped at the opportunity to attack Fischer, a close ally of Gerhard Schroeder who, despite his tarnished image, is still seen as crucial to the Chancellor's re-election hopes. Fischer is accused of overseeing a loosening of entry rules at German consulates, leading to the issue of thousands of visas to gangs trafficking in people and other criminals between 2000 and 2002. He is also said to have ignored warnings from law enforcement officials and his own diplomats about the consequences of the relaxed policies. -- SPA 2313 Local Time 2013 GMT
