Uncertain future for Germany

Merkel seeks to reassure voters after failed talks threaten 4th term

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel was left battling for political survival on Monday after high-stakes talks to form a new government collapsed, plunging the country into a crisis that could trigger fresh elections.

Europe's biggest economy now faces weeks, if not months, of paralysis with a lame-duck government that is unlikely to take bold policy action.