Merkel fourth term in doubt as German coalition talks fail

Chancellor Angela Merkel has said her efforts to form a three-way coalition government had failed, thrusting Germany into a political crisis and pushing Europe's largest economy closer to a possible new election.


The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) unexpectedly pulled out of more than four weeks of negotiations with Ms Merkel's conservative group and the Greens, citing irreconcilable differences.

The euro hit a two-month low against the yen soon after FDP leader Christian Lindner said yesterday that his party was withdrawing from the talks as the three would-be partners could not find common ground on key issues.
 [rte.ie]
 20/11/17