Merkel praises former chancellor at biography launch

Speaking in Berlin on Tuesday, Merkel said that by way of the reforms, the Social Democrat (SPD) former chancellor had "delivered outstanding services to Germany."

"The fact that Germany is in such a good position, began without a doubt with the reforms of Agenda 2010," Merkel said, crediting Schröder's reforms with helping Germany weather the European Union's debt difficulties.

The reforms, which were first proposed a decade ago, consisted primarily of labor market and social reforms, including the introduction of Hartz IV - Germany's welfare funding for the unemployed.

Owing in part to opposition within the SPD's ranks, the reforms ultimately led to Schröder's defeat at the hands of Merkel in 2006 after eight years in office as German chancellor.

"We did and in some respects still do disagree, especially regarding foreign policy, but that does not change my respect for the achievements of the reformer Gerhard Schröder," Merkel said.

Upon reflection, Schröder said on Tuesday that the aim of the reforms was to counteract rising unemployment.

"As far as I see it, political responsibility doesn't mean to not fight for office, but sometimes when necessary, one has to take that risk, even if it means losing the chancellery," Schröder said.

The book, "Gerhard Schröder: The biography", was written by historian Gregor Schöllgen.

On the subject of refugees - a topic occupying much of Chancellor Merkel's agenda at present - Schröder offered his successor one piece of advice.

"Of course, the refugee issue one of the great challenges that lie ahead for German politics, European politics and primarily for world politics. How it will turn out will depend, in my opinion, on how quickly and how bravely a new immigration law can be agreed, which I think is necessary."

In a bid to ease targeted immigration to Germany, the SPD is currently calling on Merkel to introduce extensive changes to the country's migration policy.

ksb/msh (dpa, epd, AFP)