Schroeder underlines 'grand coalition' goal

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder today underlined his aim to form a “grand coalition” between his Social Democrats and Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc, but warned it would likely take some time and be difficult.

In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Schroeder did not mention what his possible role might be in such a governing union. Both Schroeder and Merkel have been demanding the top job.

Schroeder said Germany needed a stable and operational government that would maintain the country’s social model.

He said Germany was likely to have a government faster than in the Netherlands or Austria, where it took several months to form Cabinets after general elections.

“The European Commission says: ’Fast, you need a government fast.’ But German voters have their own head and they’re not prepared to follow the Commission’s recommendations,” Schroeder said.

He made the remarks to the “Europe on the Crossroads” forum organised by German public broadcasters at the European Parliament.

Earlier today, Michael Glos, a leading German conservative, said in Berlin he was confident the country’s two biggest parties would succeed in forming a governing coalition, but he pressed Merkel's claim to replace Schroeder as Chancellor.

A coalition of the Social Democrats and the Christian Democrats has emerged as the most likely new government after Germany’s September 18 election, which denied both leaders a majority for their preferred alliances.

So far, however, prospects of a deal have been complicated by the insistence of both on being the next chancellor.

The two sides have yet to agree to formal coalition negotiations, but will meet for a second round of exploratory talks tomorrow.