Merkel finally on the path to coalition

GERMANY’S Social Democrats have voted to begin formal coalition talks with Angela Merkel’s conservatives.

It moves the country one step closer to a stable government after months of political deadlock following September’s election, which saw a far-Right resurgence.

The SDP, which had governed with Mrs Merkel for four years, initially ruled out forming another coalition, leading her to woo other parties. But after these talks collapsed, SDP delegates voted by 362 to 279 to press ahead with negotiations.

Coalition talks are now expected to start this week.