Merkel ‘willing’ to start talks

Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday her conservative bloc is willing to start talks on trying to forge a “stable government” with the Social Democrats, with an eye on the large challenges Germany faces both internationally and domestically.

“We are ready to hold talks with the Social Democrats... in a serious, engaged, honest way and obviously with the intention of success as well,”

Mrs Merkel told reporters after a meeting with her party’s leadership in Berlin. Talks between Mrs Merkel’s conservative bloc and two smaller parties to form a coalition collapsed a week ago.