Schroeder, Merkel head for tight battle

But much is still at stake. To ensure free rein to push through the aggressive economic reforms she hopes will kick-start Germany’s sluggish economy, Merkel says she needs a governing coalition with the liberal Free Democrats.

It remains unclear whether she will be able to form one, or instead be forced into a messy ‘‘grand coalition’’ with Schroeder’s SPD, who disagree with much of her programme.

Since the race is so tight, Schroeder and Merkel have vowed to break from usual practice and campaign through the weekend. Voting ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday and the first exit polls will be released at that time.

—Reuters