Merkel Gives Up on 'Jamaica', Sets Sights on Grand Coalition With SPD

Germany's Chancellor has abandoned hopes of creating a so-called 'Jamaica Coalition' with the Greens and center-right Free Democrats; instead she will turn to the tested option of establishing a coalition with the Social Democrats, despite initial misgivings among her fellow Christian Democrats and Bavarian CSU allies.

The Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) and Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU) alliance is ready to begin negotiations with the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) on the formation of a new German federal government, the head of the CDU and the alliance's leader, acting Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters in Berlin, additing that she agrees with the German liberals' leader Christian Lindner's statements that the formation of the Jamaica coalition in Germany is impossible.

"We are ready to launch negotiations with the SPD," Merkel said, adding that this time, the alliance intends to act "decisively, aiming at the success of negotiations."

On Sunday, Bavarian Minister President Horst Seehofernoted told that the formation of a new grand coalition between German Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU/CSU and the center-left SPD is "the best option for Germany". Up to him, such a scenario would be "better in any case than 'Jamaica', new elections or a minority government." In case two sides would be unable to come to the bilateral agreement, the internal political turmoil would be unevitable.

For about four weeks marathon talks to form a new German government within the so called 'Jamaica coalition' are being hold. The country's leadership has now to choose between new elections to the Bundestag and further attempts to form a coalition. 

On November, 20 the German Free Democratic Party (FDP) announced its withdrawal from the coalition talks with the union of the CDU/CSU and the Greens (prospective 'Jamaica coalition'). However, disagreements over such issues as migration and climate change have prevented parties from reaching a deal. 

Now Germany has been bogged down in political crisis: eigher new elections to the Bundestag have to be appointed or further attempts to form a coalition.

Current poltiical crisis is the result of the parliamentary elections on September 24, when both the CDU/CSU and the SPD suffered their worst election results since the 1940s, with 33 percent of votes and secured 246 seats in the parliament for CDU/CSU, SPD with 20.5% of votes and 12.6% for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The FDP came fourth with 10.7 percent of votes and 80 seats. The Greens came sixth, gaining 8.9 percent of votes and 67 seats.

Other News

Vietnam, US strengthen cooperation to ease suffering of AO/dioxin victims

Vietnam, US strengthen cooperation to ease suffering of AO/dioxin victims

A delegation from the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin's chapter in Ho Chi Minh City (VAVA HCMC) visited the US directly inform American friends about the long-term consequences of AO/dioxin in Vietnam and seek the support of progressive groups, veterans, legal experts and youth organisations in efforts to care for the victims.

Indonesia earthquake death toll rises, 2,000 evacuated

Indonesia earthquake death toll rises, 2,000 evacuated

The earthquake struck off Flores Island near Mbay town in Nagekeo district, East Nusa Tenggara province, triggering strong aftershocks. Several houses and other structures were damaged, while landslides disrupted roads in some areas.

Indian Embassy thanks Vietnam for support after Phu Quoc boat tragedy

Indian Embassy thanks Vietnam for support after Phu Quoc boat tragedy

The embassy said on its official X account that the flight carrying the victims' mortal remains departed Ho Chi Minh City on July 13 and arrived in Mumbai later the same day. Authorities in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu coordinated the transportation of the remains to their final destinations.

Vietnamese community in Venezuela backs rescue team on humanitarian mission

Vietnamese community in Venezuela backs rescue team on humanitarian mission

All members of the Vietnamese rescue team in Venezuela have maintained strict discipline, a strong sense of responsibility and unwavering focus when carrying out search, rescue and disaster recovery tasks, with the determination to successfully fulfil the international humanitarian mission entrusted by the Party, State and military.

Key issues ex high agenda at the ASEAN Future Forum 2026

Key issues ex high agenda at the ASEAN Future Forum 2026

PSNews - Nearly six decades after its founding, ASEAN is entering a new phase of transformation. Geopolitical turbulence, intensifying competition among major powers, non-traditional security challenges, and rapid technological change are raising fundamental questions about the region’s future trajectory. In this context, the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026 is more than a platform for regional countries to discuss current issues; it is designed to identify strategic pathways for ASEAN in the years ahead.

Malaysia bans social media accounts for children under 16

Malaysia bans social media accounts for children under 16

Under the new rules, social media platforms are required to implement age-verification systems and prevent users under 16 from creating accounts. The regulations apply to platforms with at least eight million users in Malaysia, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Cambodia ranked world's top country for natural environment in 2026

Cambodia ranked world's top country for natural environment in 2026

Cambodia currently manages 73 protected natural areas covering more than seven million hectares, equivalent to about 41% of the country’s total land area. These protected areas play a vital role in forest conservation, wildlife habitat protection and biodiversity preservation through stricter law enforcement and conservation measures.

ASEAN chief spotlights Vietnam’s role in shaping bloc’s future

ASEAN chief spotlights Vietnam’s role in shaping bloc’s future

Vietnam is expected to maintain active contributions across ASEAN’s three pillars - the political-security community, the economic community, and the socio-cultural community; while further enhancing regional connectivity through infrastructure projects and stronger economic linkages.

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Van affirmed Vietnam’s support for the UNESCO80 reform roadmap, focusing on the organisation’s core mandate, priority areas, interdisciplinary approach, and the special status of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and UNESCO representative offices, alongside efforts to diversify resources and strengthen global partnerships to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness.