Turkish politician Ozdemir named co-leader of German Greens

The 42-year-old social worker will lead the Greens with Claudia Roth, who was also elected at the party’s convention in the eastern city of Erfurt.

 

Ozdemir told the convention delegates Saturday that he is "looking forward" to working with Roth.  Â

 

The appointment makes Ozdemir the highest-ranking ethnic Turkish politician.

 

There are some 2.7 million ethnic Turks in Germany, the country’s largest minority, representing about 3.3 percent of the population.

 

Ozdemir was elected with an overwhelming majority of 79.2 percent, AP reported.

 

The Greens were the junior partner in Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's ruling coalition for seven years until 2005.