Chances looking up for German coalition

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and conservative leader Angela Merkel voiced optimism after talks to forge a power-sharing coalition on Wednesday despite disagreeing on who should lead the country.

“Constructive, serious,” was Merkel’s verdict after meeting Schroeder and Social Democrat chief Franz Muentefering. “When you think how we spoke with and against each other 14 days ago in the election campaign, I would have thought it almost impossible, but there is a great seriousness there to find a way as to whether we can forge a coalition together.”

Schroeder expressed confidence that a deal could be reached. “I assume we can succeed and will succeed in forming a stable constellation that will keep Germany on its reform course for four years,” he said. —Reuters