Merkel appears set for second term

GERMANY’S Free Democrats rejected overtures from the Social Democrats yesterday and indicated they would stay in opposition if they were unable to form a centre-right coalition with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

A week before a federal election, the FDP made clear that they would not be part of a three-way coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens – seemingly the only combination that could deny Merkel a second term in office.

Over the weekend, leaders of the centre-left SPD softened their tone towards the pro-business FDP, hoping to leave the door open to a so-called “traffic light” coalition – named after the parties’ colours – with the Greens after the September 27 vote.