German coalition talks: SPD agrees to sit down with Angela Merkel's CDU
Social Democrats had previously stated intention to abandon coalition and enter opposition after September election result
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.Leaders of Germany's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) have agreed to enter exploratory talks on a new government led by Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Andrea Nahles, the Social Democrats' parliamentary leader, said the party leadership decided unanimously on Friday to start talks with Merkel's conservative Union bloc (CDU).
The two parties have governed Germany in a coalition for the past four years, but the Social Democrats initially said after a disastrous election result in September that they would go into opposition.
The Social Democrats reluctantly reconsidered after Merkel's talks with two smaller parties collapsed last month.
Now, they say they will consider either a formal coalition deal or looser arrangement that allows a Merkel-led government to be formed.
Nahles said that, following initial talks, a party congress next month will decide on the next steps.
AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments