German Chancellor Angela Merkel, weakened by poor election results, started talks Wednesday to forge an unlikely governing coalition from a motley crew of parties that span the political spectrum. If the initial talks Wednesday go well, all sides will meet jointly on Friday to open negotiations that could form a government by perhaps January in the biggest EU economy. The delicate negotiations come as Merkel, long seen as Europe’s most influential leader, is increasingly described as a lame duck, past the zenith of her power in what is widely expected to be her final term. “Up until two years ago Merkel appeared untouchable,” the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper wrote. Her power, too, is on the wane.”“If the CDU had any kind of challenger waiting in the wings, Merkel would have reason to worry.”

Source: Dhaka Tribune October 18, 2017 15:11 UTC