Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc, paving the way for the new German government to take office in Berlin next week. The centre-left party said on Wednesday 84.

The general secretary of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Wednesday welcomed the result of an online ballot which saw members overwhelmingly approve a coalition agreement with Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc.

Germany's Social Democrats will announce on Wednesday whether members have backed a treaty for a coalition with the CDU/CSU conservatives, potentially clearing the last hurdle for the formation of a new government in Europe's largest economy.