The Social Democrats vowed after slumping to their worst post-war election result to go into opposition, so Merkel opened talks on the alternative coalition — which collapsed in November. The Social Democrats then reluctantly reconsidered their refusal to mull extending the "grand coalition" of Germany's biggest parties. If the parties decide this week that they're prepared to open formal coalition negotiations, that will require approval Jan. 21 by a congress of the Social Democrats. The two sides could also clash over the Social Democrats' call to reform the health insurance system and their differing ambitions for the European Union. Schulz has said some form of support for a minority government is an option for his party, but Merkel has made clear she wants a coalition.

Source: CBC News January 07, 2018 14:15 UTC