In this article courtesy of the BBC, coalition talks have run into a standstill as the free market liberal FDP party has refused to form a government with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the Greens. Recalling the elections in September, the far-right nationalist AfD (Alternative for Germany) for the first time gained seats in the Parliament, gaining 94 seats as they "vowed to fight 'an invasion of foreigners' into the country". Furthermore, the liberal SPD or Social Democrats (second largest party with 153 seats) have also ruled out joining the coalition. As it stands, these events are a major blow to the cohesiveness and unity of the German Government moving forwards, and possibly mark a weakening of Mrs. Merkel's power or that of the CDU-CSU. Currently one major issue impeding discussions is deciding the future of Germany's immigration policy. With many refugees pouring into the country, there has been a clear backlash to policy as it stands now, seen in the AfD's recent gains. Overall, the future is uncertain, without a clear path to secure a coalition government, Merkel is left with the option to speak with President Steinmeier who has the power to call snap elections should continued negotiations fail.
Aric Laatz
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42047532
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