German parties agree to start formal coalition talks

BERLIN (AA) – Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP) announced Monday that it decided to enter formal talks with the Social Democrats and the Greens to form a three-way coalition government.

Party’s chairman Christian Lindner told a news conference in Berlin that the FDP’s federal board and lawmakers voted unanimously to go-ahead with formal coalition talks.

“We see opportunities, but also challenges in the current political situation. In the end, we unanimously decided to start coalition negotiations with the Social Democrats and the Greens,” he said.

Lindner underlined that the FDP will assume responsibility for Germany at a time of important challenges faced by the country.

“Germany needs a stable government. Germany needs comprehensive modernization of the society, economy and state,” he said.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the environmentalist Greens had already approved to start three-way coalition negotiations following weeks of exploratory talks between the parties.

Last week leaders of the three parties wrapped up their talks with a preliminary agreement on a 12-page document, which outlined common policy objectives of the prospective coalition government.

The SPD narrowly won the last month’s election but fell short of a majority in the parliament, while the two smaller parties – the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business FDP – emerged as kingmakers.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative CDU/CSU came second in the election but suffered its worst general election result since 1945.

After 16 years in power, Merkel is preparing to leave active politics later this year. She will remain in her post until a new coalition government is formed.