Merkel closes in on coalition deal as parties hash out climate policies
Today, Chancellor Angela Merkel will enter the final stages of “Jamaica coalition” talks with the environmentalist Greens and the pro-business FDP. Negotiations have been ongoing since the September 24 election, during which the chancellor’s conservative Christian Democrats clinched 33% of votes—the largest of any party.
A key sticking point has been climate policy–specifically, the use of coal
The Greens have agreed not to push for firm dates to close coal-fired power stations and have relinquished their wish to ban combustion engine vehicles, but still wants to make sure Berlin meets its own target of a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. The FDP want fewer regulations and carbon restrictions on businesses.
While the national leaders of the Greens might be willing to compromise, they will still need the support of their base. If the party’s rank and file refuse to accept the terms of the deal, and a coalition cannot be formed, a new election could follow.
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