Merkel sees a hard day in crunch German coalition talks

Reuters

11 January 2018 at 4:00 am

Acting German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for exploratory talks about forming a new coalition government at the SPD headquarters in Berlin, Germany, January 11, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday her conservative bloc and the Social Democrats (SPD) still had high hurdles to clear before they could agree to enter formal coalition talks.

Speaking at the start of the final day of exploratory talks on Thursday, Merkel said it would be a tough day but she was going into it "with energy" and she recognised that Germans expected results.

More than three months after a federal election, a weakened Merkel is pinning her hopes for a fourth term as chancellor on successful talks with a wary SPD for a re-run of the 'grand coalition' that ruled Europe's biggest economy from 2013 to 2017.

(Reporting by Michelle Martin and Madeline Chambers; Editing by Paul Carrel)

Evening Standard
'Misstiano Penaldo': John Terry brands BBC 'a disgrace' for dig at crying Cristiano Ronaldo over penalty miss
BBC coverage of the Euro 2024 did not go down well with the former Chelsea captain
HuffPost
Reporter Reveals 'Real Anger' From Biden White House Aides After Debate
They were "shocked" and felt "they had not been told the truth," said Axios' Alex Thompson.
Bloomberg
China’s AI startups head to Singapore in a bid for global growth
When Wu Cunsong and Chen Binghui founded their artificial intelligence startup two years ago in Hangzhou, China, they quickly ran into obstacles, including dearth of venture capital.
The Independent
Seven people - including four kids - shot by neighbor who once told them to ‘go back to where they came from’
Motive still being investigated, but shooting ‘could’ have racial element, police say
INSIDER
Malaysia's $100 billion ghost town is good for at least one thing: filming documentaries and shows like Netflix's 'The Mole'
Embattled Forest City is a backdrop for a handful of reality shows and documentaries.
The Independent
Bodycam footage released after 13-year-old boy shot and killed by police in New York
Body camera footage released by the department shows officers tackling the boy to the ground before firing a gun
INSIDER
A millennial couple moved to Bali 2 years ago. Making friends was one of the hardest parts.
There's a common refrain that things in Bali are cheap — and that's not necessarily true, they said.
People
'Very Sweet Young Lady' Is Killed on Her 21st Birthday, Suspect in Custody
Joselyn Toaquiza was reported missing on Wednesday, June 19, the day after she turned 21, before police learned she'd been killed the day before
Bloomberg
Russian goods find their way to Singapore as war fatigue sets in
Heavily discounted Russian-made goods, from hair products to chocolate, are finding their way onto Singapore’s virtual supermarket shelves.
The Hill
70 percent of voters have decided who they will back in November: Poll
More than 7 in 10 voters have already decided whom they will vote for in the November presidential election, according to a new poll. The Harvard CAPS/Harris poll released Monday showed 72 percent of respondents said they have already made up their minds, while 28 percent said they are still weighing their choices. That’s a…
Evening Standard
England have already been dealt huge selection blow for Switzerland quarter-final clash at Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate will be forced into Three Lions reshuffle for last-eight showdown in Dusseldorf
HuffPost
Harvard Law Professor Delivers Chilling Prediction After Trump Immunity Ruling
Laurence Tribe explained what the Supreme Court decision means in "practical purposes" and it's "devastating."
The Independent
Prostitute is fatally strangled then sexually assaulted inside Las Vegas casino by man who said he ‘snapped’
Jason Kendall, 35, is being held without bond in connection to the murder of Larissa Garcia at a Las Vegas casino
DollarsAndSense.sg
22 Useful Items You Can Buy From The SAF eMart – That You Can Use In Your Civilian Life
Lifelong buddies, service to Singapore, personal development – the best things in NS life are priceless. For everything else, there’s the eMart. The post 22 Useful Items You Can Buy From The SAF eMart – That You Can Use In Your Civilian Life appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
The Telegraph
Russia ‘studying captured ATACMS’
Russian forces have captured and are studying an intact guidance system from a long-range US-made ATACMS missile, according to reports.
SETHLUI.COM
11 best affordable Korean food spots in Singapore your wallet & tummy will love
The post 11 best affordable Korean food spots in Singapore your wallet & tummy will love appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
The Independent
‘A terrible disservice’: Biden slams Supreme Court immunity ruling, says it lets presidents ignore the law
President Joe Biden did not take questions after speaking on the Supreme Court ruling, despite questions swirling after his debate performance
Simply Wall St.
3 SGX Stocks That May Be Trading Below Their Estimated Intrinsic Value By Up To 47.2%
As the Singapore market shows signs of robust activity, with innovative companies like Currensea successfully raising significant funds through crowdfunding, it highlights a growing investor confidence and interest in diverse sectors. In this context, identifying stocks that are potentially trading below their intrinsic value could offer attractive opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on current market conditions.
People
Megan Thee Stallion Shocks in Latex Thong Bodysuit and Boots on Stage at 2024 BET Awards: See Her Daring Look!
The rapper commanded the stage with her voice and sexy style
INSIDER
Estonia says it could hold out against a Russian attack 'for a couple of weeks' before NATO arrives
Estonia has ramped up its defense spending and believes it could hold out for a couple of weeks before reinforcements came, if Russia attacked.

Latest stories