Merkel strikes conciliatory tone in push for coalition with SPD

Berlin

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel took a conciliatory tone toward the Social Democrats as she invited them to begin talks on securing a stable government capable of tackling the challenges facing Europe's biggest economy.

Mrs Merkel offered a pragmatic approach to potential talks to revive the "Grand Coalition" of Germany's two biggest parties. While the Christian Democratic Union's platform will provide the basis for her party, she is seeking to find common ground with the left-leaning SPD.