A collapse of exploratory talks on forming a new German government under Chancellor Angela Merkel would likely trigger snap elections, a prospect fraught with risk for Europe’s top economic power. The inconclusive September 24th general election left Merkel seeking new partners as she attempts to embark on a fourth term. However, a failure of her conservatives to find enough common ground with the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the ecologist Greens to embark on formal coalition talks would leave the country in political limbo. Before new elections could be called under Germany’s Basic Law, the Bundestag lower house of parliament...
