BERLIN: Gay Mayor Re-Elected

Berlin's openly gay mayor was reelected to a third term yesterday.

Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, will remain in office for a third term. Wowereit, who became the first openly gay leader of a German state in 2001, is known for his popular touch and distinctive Berlin accent. He has ruled in alliance with the Left Party for 10 years but could switch allegiance to the Greens, who made gains of 4.5 percent and polled 17.6 percent. The Left Party secured 11.7 percent of the vote. A coalition with the CDU would also be possible. Wowereit indirectly laid out conditions for a partnership with the Greens on Sunday evening, saying it was "important that they come out in favor of politics that favor development, progress, and change rather than a stalemate."

Some believe Wowereit could succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2013.

RELATED: Germany's Pirate Party earned enough votes to seat 15 representatives in the state parliament. Initially formed to battle copyright and patent laws, the Pirate Party also advocates for free internet service and free public transit. The Pirate Party has chapters in many countries, including the United States.