The World - News from Aug. 29, 1989

West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl emerged as the sole contender for leadership of his Christian Democratic Union as the governing party heads into the 1990 national election campaign. The party’s support, tendered in a closed-door meeting, is a much-needed boost for the chancellor, who has suffered a drop in popularity among voters. But the apparent decision to retain Kohl as party leader could disappoint the majority of West German voters who want a change from the status quo. A public opinion poll released over the weekend by the respected Emnid research firm indicated that 71% of the voters questioned--59% of whom claim allegiance to his party--want an alternative to Kohl.