Socialists will drive hard bargain on economy as Merkel waits for coalition talks to begin

German chancellor Angela Merkel lost no time in approaching her Socialist counterparts to agree a grand coalition government following her resounding success at the polls.

But the Socialists, who suffered badly following their previous tie-up with Ms Merkel’s Christian Democrats, will wait at least until after Friday’s party conference to open talks.

It took 60 days to form a government last time in 2009, but the chancellor is anxious to find a partner to ensure she can get back to work as soon as possible.