TBD

Merkel in Peril as German Coalition Talks Fail

Germany may need snap elections after talks to form new government fall apart.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday said talks to form a new three-way coalition government have failed, throwing the country’s leadership into turmoil. “It is a day of deep reflection on how to go forward in Germany, ” Merkel told reporters after announcing the news. “As chancellor, I will do everything to ensure that this country is well managed in the difficult weeks to come,” she said. Her comments came as the pro-business Free Democratic Party unexpectedly broke off talks with Merkel’s conservative bloc and the ecologist Greens after more than four weeks of negotiations. The breakdown of talks leaves Merkel without a majority in parliament just months after her party, the Christian Democratic Union, suffered its worst result since 1949 in the general election. Merkel can now form a minority government—which would be unprecedented in post-World War Two Germany—or the president can call snap elections. Merkel said she will remain on as acting chancellor and consult with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on how to proceed.