Merkel ally urges SPD to consider new German 'grand coalition' - RTRS

Volker Kauder, the leader of Merkel’s Conservative parliamentary group in the Bundestag lower house of parliament, told the regional Suedwest Presse newspaper on Thursday that he expects Social Democrats (SPD) to reconsider joining a new “grand coalition” with Angela Merkel’s Conservatives Party, Reuters reports.

Key Quotes:

“Europe is waiting for a Germany capable of acting so that it can finally respond to the questions raised by French President (Emmanuel) Macron. The economically strongest country in Europe cannot show itself as a political dwarf.”

“Therefore it’s my wish that the current partners in the coalition government can get together again.”

Meanwhile, the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a former SPD lawmaker and foreign minister is scheduled to meet party leader Schulz at 1400 GMT today, in an effort to facilitate the formation of the coalition government.

Also read: Germany’s SPD leader Schulz to resign today?