German coalition talks begin with a cautious tone, officials say.
In a joint written statement, the three general secretaries of the CDU, CSU and SPD, Carsten Linnemann, Martin Huber and Matthias Miersch, emphasized a reserved approach after the first exploratory talks on Friday. The statement said the conversations had begun in an open and constructive atmosphere.
Bundesfinanzminister Jörg Kukies of the SPD initially gave the group an overview of the country’s budget situation, with the challenges to be the subject of further discussions, according to the statement.
The dozen or so participants of the first round of exploratory talks declined to make any press comments initially. The first meeting lasted around five hours and the talks are scheduled to continue next week.
Following the general election, a coalition of the CDU, CSU and SPD appears the only realistic option, excluding the AfD. A coalition of the Union, the Greens and the Left would also have a majority, but this is considered unlikely.