(VOVWORLD) -Talks to form Germany’s next coalition government collapsed on Monday when the Free Democratic Party (FDP) walked out of marathon negotiations. This means Germany will have fresh elections and more challenges are expected before the formation of a stable government.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
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On Monday the FDP liberals pulled out of talks with Chancellor Merkel's CDU/CSU bloc and the Greens. Nearly 2 months after the parliamentary elections, Germany has been unable to establish a new government, for the first time since 1949.
No common voice
The CDU/CSU bloc won the most votes in September’s federal elections, making it the largest party in the Bundestag. But it needed to ally with other parties to form a coalition government. Negotiations with other political parties have failed to reach consensus on climate change, taxes, and immigration policies.
While the Greens have campaigned to stop using coal and internal combustion engines by 2030 and other parties have promised to reduce carbon emission, Mrs. Merkel’s bloc has not set a specific date to eliminate coal use. The CDU/CSU to set an annual limit on immigrants, but the Greens wants many more immigrants to rally more supporters to their party.
FDP leader Christian Lindner said the FDP pulled out of the coalition talks because there is no believable plan to modernize the nation, a precondition of a stable government.
Possible fresh elections
Observers envisage three scenarios for Germany’s political future.
First, Chancellor Merkel’s CDU/CSU bloc could ally with the Greens to establish a minority government. Second, Mrs. Merkel could approach her previous coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD) again. But the SPD says it won’t join any future coalition talks. Third, a new election could be held. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier could dissolve the Bundestag and call for a new election. Chancellor Merkel says she will meet with the President to inform him of the negotiation results and discuss future moves with CDU/CSU leaders.
Analysts say if a new election is held, the right-wing AFD party will win more seats in parliament. This would make it even harder to form a new government. The public is hoping that Chancellor Merkel, the most experienced and powerful woman in Europe, can lead Germany out of this crisis.
Anh Huyen