Merkel begins talks with Social Democrats
German chancellor says stable government needed to tackle "enormous" tasks ahead; SPD takes conciliatory stance in public after initially ruling out rerun of grand coalition
Berlin
CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel said Germany needs a stable government to tackle "enormous" tasks ahead as she began make-or-break talks to renew her alliance with the Social Democrats and open the door to a fourth term.
More than three months of post-election stalemate in Europe's biggest economy are focusing minds as Mrs Merkel, 63, seeks to avoid facing voters again or governing without a majority. The acting chancellor's Christian Democratic Union-led bloc and the SPD began exploratory talks on Sunday amid a growing sense that their political futures are at stake.
TRENDING NOW
One-third of Singapore-listed firms at risk in severe AI downturn: MAS
‘Not done’: Keppel CEO Loh Chin Hua transformed the group, but says there’s ‘still a lot to do’
He built the Vingroup empire. Now South-east Asia’s richest man is handing some key roles to his sons
‘We don’t want to stay as we are’: CEO Patrick Ng builds a more resilient Huationg
