Key figures in the SPD believe Schulz can only guarantee such promises by laying claim to the previously CDU-run finance ministry. The previous SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel’s decision to pick the economic and foreign ministries as trophy posts in 2013 is now widely seen within the party as a strategic mistake. On 21 January, SPD delegates will decide at a special party conference whether to start proper talks, which could last until mid-February. STICKING POINTSImmigrationWrangling over fallout from the European refugee crisis dominated last year’s failed coalition talks with the liberal Free Democratic Party and Greens, and is likely to top this year’s negotiations agenda. Politicians from Merkel’s CDU say the plans would put private health insurers out of business.

Source: Pakistan Today January 07, 2018 07:30 UTC