BERLIN (Reuters) - A small eastern state is set to embark on an experiment that could shift the political landscape in Germany, loosening Angela Merkel's grip on power and raising the chances of a future government in Berlin that includes fervent supporters of Russia.
Bodo Ramelow, a no-nonsense trade unionist who grew up in West Germany, is expected to become state premier of Thuringia on Dec. 5 in a coalition of his Left party, the environmentalist Greens and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), ending 24 years of conservative rule there.
