Cheer up Frau Merkel, Britain will soon be out of your hair!

ANGELA Merkel appeared to be overwhelmed last night as Germany headed for a political crisis.

Head in her hands, the Chancellor was the picture of misery in the German parliament after coalition talks to form a majority government collapsed.

Mrs Merkel, who is a pivotal fig-

ure in the Brexit negotiations, has been embroiled in cross-party policy negotiations to attempt to continue her 12-year reign. The political future of Germany is now unclear as she is said to prefer a fresh round of elections in January over governing with a minority. Fears have been expressed that the instability could affect Brexit negotiations, as Mrs Merkel will be tied up with the domestic situation.

Senior colleagues of Mrs Merkel yesterday called on her to quickly resolve the political crisis. Parties were told to put their differences on hold in order to find a solution over fears of causing international instability. The talks principally broke down over immigration policies.

Wolfgang Schaeuble, Germany’s most senior MP and finance minister, addressed the German parliament yesterday. ‘Europe needs a Germany that is capable of acting,’ he said. ‘Agreeing by giving ground to each other takes courage... The task is huge, but it’s not unsolvable.’

It’s all too much: Mrs Merkel yesterday at the German parliament

But the attacks keep coming: MPs told her to get a coalition deal

Fighting for her political life: Angela Merkel yesterday

OK, just keep calm: The Chancellor tries to look tough as criticism mounts

And it just got worse: She bows her head in debate over her government’s future

Oh, I give up: She holds her head as the coalition crisis shows no sign of ending

The misery worsens: Her face crumples as her future in office looks more in peril