Merkel finalizes new government with Social Democrats

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has agreed to form a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party, according to reports in German media.

The reports suggest the Social Democrats will get the foreign, finance and labor portfolios under the deal.

The agreement will allow Germany to play a proper role in international affairs and the EU’s Brexit discussions for the first time in four months after a general election was inconclusive.

The deal is subject to approval by the Social Democrat’s 464,000 members in a postal ballot.

According to Reuters, an Insa poll on Monday showed support for the Social Democrats dropping to 17 percent, below its election result of 20.5 percent. Merkel’s Christian Democrats slipped to 30.5 percent, suggesting there would be no majority for a grand coalition if an election were held now.

If the Social Democrats reject the coalition deal, Germany will be forced to hold another general election.