German government talks collapse; Merkel seeks to reassure

[muriel_volestrangler]

10. Coalition talks: Germany's Angela Merkel prefers fresh elections over minority government

German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Monday that she was ready to take her Christian Democratic (CDU) party into fresh elections after coalition talks with the Green party and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) failed over the weekend.

"I'm very skeptical," about leading a minority government, Merkel told public broadcaster ZDF. The center-right politician said that she was ready to lead Germany for four more years, but that she felt a majority government was necessary for stability in Germany and Europe.

Merkel's statement does not necessarily mean Germany is headed for snap elections. First, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will approach other parties to see if a last-ditch coalition can be cobbled together.

Several hours ahead of Merkel's comments, President Steinmeier appeared to rule out snap elections for now, instead emphasizing the obligation each party had to the voters. to reconsider whether they might not be able to create a working majority.

http://www.dw.com/en/coalition-talks-germanys-angela-merkel-prefers-fresh-elections-over-minority-government/a-41454523