German polls
SPD in talks to form 3-way pact after taking lead
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Germany's political parties have begun negotiations for a three-way coalition government to take over from Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, after the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) came first in Sunday's polls.
The election is closely watched as Dr Merkel, 67, did not seek a fifth term after 16 years as leader of Europe's largest economy and the European Union's pre-eminent voice.
SPD leader Olaf Scholz appealed yesterday to the Green Party and the pro-business Free Democrats to back a three-way coalition.
Russia said yesterday that it hoped for continuity in Moscow's ties with Berlin. Mr David Sassoli, head of the European Parliament, congratulated Mr Scholz, adding: "After this historic (Covid-19) crisis, there is no time to lose: Europe needs a strong and reliable partner in Berlin to continue our common work for a social and green recovery."
