Key Talks for Government Formation in Germany Ended Without Result

Key negotiations between the conservative party of Germany led by Angela Merkel and two other parties to form a coalition government have failed. The Free Democratic Party withdrew from the talks, and the Greens have also suggested the possibility of new elections. Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, told reporters on November 20 that the negotiating parties were close to forming a coalition government on Sunday, but suddenly at midnight, the Free Democratic Party decided to withdraw from the discussions. Merkel added that she would soon discuss recent events and possible steps with the President of the country. She also stated, 'I will do whatever is necessary to ensure that this country has appropriate leadership in the difficult weeks ahead.' Christian Lindner, the leader of the Free Democratic Party, told reporters that his party decided to withdraw from the talks because they saw further compromise as contrary to their promises and electoral policies. Lindner stated, 'It is better not to govern at all than to do it incorrectly.' On the other hand, Reinhard Bütikofer, the leader of the Greens, accused the Free Democratic Party of creating an emotional and populist atmosphere instead of fulfilling the duties of government. Among the major issues that caused significant disagreements during the coalition government talks were the use of fossil energy resources and the issue of migrants and refugees. The Greens demanded an end to the use of coal and internal combustion engines by 2030, although they stated they were ready for compromise. Historical conservatives did not announce an end to these fuels, and the Free Democratic Party also expressed concerns about the impact of fuel policies on the business environment and the economy of Germany. Overall, there is no disagreement among German parties regarding the necessity of adhering to fundamental policies for reducing greenhouse gases. On the other hand, the Christian Social Union - the Bavarian branch of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union - called for pursuing annual limits on the number of refugees. Meanwhile, the Greens sought to pursue other policies, including allowing refugee families to join them in Germany. This leftist party in Germany argues that refugees living with their families would integrate into German society more quickly and easily. Without the Free Democratic Party's return to negotiations, conservatives around Angela Merkel will have to strive to maintain the current coalition government with the center-left Social Democrats, although the Social Democrats themselves have rejected such a possibility. Another potential outcome could be the formation of a 'minority government,' which is currently deemed unlikely. Ultimately, new elections may be held in Germany. Current polls indicate that if new elections were to take place, the results would likely be similar to the current political landscape in Germany; in that case, negotiations to form a coalition government would probably be as difficult as they are now, if not more so.