Greens set for power in Schroder coalition
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GERMANY BRACED itself yesterday for the biggest political realignment in its post-war history, as Gerhard Schroder's Social Democrats set about forming a government with the help of the Greens.
Negotiations leading to the first ever "Red-Green" coalition will begin on Friday, the two sides announced after their respective leaders emerged from their huddle. The process is likely to take several weeks.
Helmut Kohl remains Chancellor in the meantime, though with obvious reluctance, after leading his Christian Democrats to their worst result since 1949. The Christian Democrats won just 35 per cent of the vote on Sunday, 6 per cent less than four years ago.
Mr Schroder has about a month to strike a deal with the Greens before the new Bundestag convenes. Though he is dependent on the support of the Greens, he warned yesterday that he would drive a hard bargain. "The Greens are going to have to prepare for a clear and tough round of talks," he said.
Among the most difficult differences to resolve are nuclear power. The SPD is in favour of phasing out nuclear plants over a 10-year period, while the Greens want them shut down immediately. The two parties combined would have a majority of 21 in the new parliament.
As the winners celebrated Sunday's landslide victory, the outgoing government continued to be rocked by resignations. After Mr Kohl's announcement that he would step down as party chairman, it was the turn of his Finance Minister, Theo Waigel. Mr Waigel announced he would quit as chairman of the Christian Social Union.
Greens go into battle, page 12
Leading article, Review, page 3
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments