Stabbed politician elected mayor in Cologne

Cologne has elected politician Henriette Reker as its mayor, international reports claim.

Reker, an independent candidate supported by Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party, was stabbed in the neck while campaigning in the city of Cologne on Saturday.

According to officials, she won 52.7% of the vote, but she remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

The BBC reports that the suspected attacker was a 44-year-old German national who claimed he was angry about Germany's immigration policy. The unnamed suspect reportedly faces charges of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm, but a psychiatric examination indicated he can be held criminally responsible.

It adds that Reker was attacked while running a party information stand in Cologne and four other people were injured in the same attack. On Staurday, she underwent an operation which doctors say went well and they added that Reker is expected to make a complete recovery.

According to reports, the man had no police record and apparently acted alone.

Germany is currently struggling to cope with a huge influx of asylum seekers and Reker has been in charge of finding accommodation for migrants arriving in Cologne. The country said it expects 800,000 asylum seekers this year, but a leaked report suggested the number could be as high as 1.5 million.