Giving in to calls from party members to focus more on his duties as German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder has decided to step down as leader of his Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Franz Muentefering, the incumbent leader of the SPD's parliamentary group, will likely be Schroeder's successor.

Schroeder announced his decision at a press conference on Friday saying he didn't have enough time as head of government to explain crucial reform plans to party members.

"We've decided to split the work load," the Chancellor said, adding: "I will concentrate on the work I have as Chancellor."

"You can imagine that I'm not happy to relinquish this office, but it's in the interest of the reform process."

"Germany is facing the most difficult reform process after WWII," he added.

Analysts suspect the move is designed to silence his party critics who oppose his welfare and economic reform program.

Local media have reported that some leading SPD officials have been demanding Schroeder change the party's current policy and have criticized him for being out of touch with ordinary party members.

After implementing parts of the so-called "Agenda 2010" packageof reforms, the SPD has suffered a string of election defeats and has slumped to an all-time low in opinion polls.

Muentefering, 64, served as labor, health and social issue minister in Germany's most populous state of North-Rhine-Westphalia, as federal transport minister and as the SPD's secretary-general before becoming the party's parliamentary leader.

(China Daily  February 7, 2004)