German Chancellor Angela Merkel launched a fast-track search today for a new head of state, after President Horst Koehler's surprise resignation left the country baffled and shocked, according to AP. Merkel canceled several government obligations and a trip to the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, to start consulting with her coalition's leaders on finding a new president, to be elected June 30. She said Koehler had given her only two hours warning before stepping down Monday, saying he felt unduly criticized. «My heart was very heavy today because I know a lot of citizens appreciate him,» Merkel said Monday. While many have speculated over possible replacements, Merkel said Monday night she had no candidate in mind and that the race was «completely open» _ politician or outsider, man or woman. She vowed to propose a candidate who «has a chance to be accepted by all» rather than just by the coalition parties that dominate Parliament, including her own Christian Democratic Union, the Christian Social Union and the Free Democrats. -- SPA
