German elections: president asks Merkel to break deadlock

Germany's failure to form government puts direction of Europe’s largest economy in doubt

Angela Merkel
(Image credit: Getty Photos)

Germany’s president has urged Angela Merkel and political leaders to get back to the negotiating table and compromise after talks to form a government collapsed, leaving Europe’s biggest economy in limbo.

While President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he doesn’t favour snap elections, the clock is ticking. Germany has been in a holding pattern since September’s election, leading to speculation about whether it is time for Merkel to step down after 12 years.

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