German parties race to conclude 'grand coalition' negotiations

Senior representatives of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU) and German Social Democrats (SPD) are holding talks to conclude the final stage of "grand coalition" negotiations.

Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and CSU leader Horst Seehofer both told the press that talks would last at least until Monday evening and possibly extend late into the night again, Xinhua news agency reported.

Party negotiators have missed a first ambitious deadline to reach a deal by Sunday, but still remain on track to form a new government on schedule, as long as their deliberations prove successful within two planned "reserve days" on Monday and Tuesday.

However, CSU regional leader Alexander Dobrindt warned that the process was still fraught with difficulties.

"I think there is a will (to conclude talks) on all sides. But there are also large remaining hurdles," Dobrindt said.

Similarly, Family Minister Katarina Barley (SPD) told the public broadcaster "SWR2" that all of those party representatives involved were intent on finalizing negotiations, but noted that "nothing is secured until we have reached the very end."

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (CDU), governor of Saarland and senior negotiator for her party, showcased more optimism. "If it's up to me, yes," Kramp-Karrenbauer responded when asked whether she thought that negotiations would already conclude on Monday.

Negotiating throughout Sunday as well as into the early hours on Monday, the CDU, CSU and SPD have eliminated several of their outstanding disputes, including concerning Europe. SPD leader and former president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz announced proudly that an agreement had been reached in the latter area, describing the result as a "much needed signal for a new start for Europe."

Schulz added that "more investment, a Eurozone budget and an end to the austerity dogma" were all included in related policy proposals.

Furthermore, Germany would make more funds available to lower youth unemployment across the bloc and focus its attention towards ensuring the "fair taxation of corporations, including internet giants such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon."

According to media reports, health care, labour law and finances are the three major areas of disagreement which now still persist between the CDU, CSU and SPD.

These are seen as particularly sensitive to the SPD which among others has vowed to reduce inequality in the German medical system and strengthen workers' rights in lay-off scenarios. Nevertheless, various news sources estimated that a conclusion of coalition negotiations could be announced as soon as Tuesday midday.

--IANS

pgh/