German SPD leader: Tensions over migrants, 'waiting to see' on new election

Andrea Nahles, leader of Social Democratic Party (SPD), addresses the lower house of parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, April 26, 2018. REUTERS/Axel Schmidt/Files

BERLIN (Reuters) - The situation in German Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition is extremely tense, the leader of Germany's Social Democrats (SPD) Andrea Nahles said on Wednesday, leaving open the question of a possible new election.

After four hours of talks late on Tuesday with Merkel and her conservative Bavarian allies which failed to resolve a row on migrant policy that threatens the coalition, Nahles, said:

"In all questions, including in migrant policy, we have a very tense situation in the coalition ...It is unsatisfactory that this week we have standstill and it is unclear what will happen."

Asked if she was preparing for a new election, she said: "I don't know. To be honest with you, we are waiting to see."

(Reporting by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Andrew Heavens)