Merkel calls on new German government to begin work quickly
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has welcomed the coalition deal and says "it's important that we start quickly with our work".
Ms Merkel was speaking a day after the centre-left Social Democrats voted overwhelmingly to remain in a coalition with her conservative bloc, giving the chancellor the support needed to preserve her governing coalition and secure a fourth term as leader of Europe's most powerful economy.
Parliament is expected to meet on March 14 to re-elect Ms Merkel as chancellor, ending the longest time Germany has been without a new government after elections in its post-war history.
The Social Democrats were initially reluctant to extend their coalition with Ms Merkel, but eventually agreed to a deal that gives them control of the foreign, labour and finance ministries - three major portfolios - in return for supporting curbs on immigration.
VIDEO: Germany's second biggest party (SPD) approves a plan to join Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition, clearing the last hurdle in the way of the veteran leader's fourth term. #GroKo pic.twitter.com/UUQv4bJcgb
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 4, 2018
