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.