Niels Annen, a member of the SPD’s executive leadership, has called for quick action to form a new German government given the number of crises around the world.
Mr Annen also declared that a “grand coalition” was not an option that could be categorically ruled out.
He said: “Germany urgently needs a predictable and reliable government. A grand coalition could be an option and we should not exclude it.”
However, he also said the SPD needed to hear from “failed chancellor” Angela Merkel about how she envisioned Germany’s future government before a four-year agreement between her party and the SPD could be reached.
His words follow SPD leader and former President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz coming under increasing pressure to resign over his initial refusal to engage in coalition talks.
Many of his MPs want to give a lifeline to Mrs Merkel and form a coalition with the Christian Democratic Union.
More than 30 MPs spoke out against Mr Schulz’s position and demanded that he be more flexible and consider talks.
Mr Schulz had said that his party wants to stay in opposition rather than joining another coalition.
But the SPD leader did yesterday agree to hold talks with Mrs Merkel about reviving their outgoing coalition government.
Mr Schulz outlined that no decisions had been made and party members would have the final say on any deal.
He suggested that governing could help his party achieve its political aims.
Mr Schulz also told the party’s youth wing – which rejected another grand coalition at a party conference – that he expected their loyalty and “constructive cooperation”.
Mrs Merkel, who has been in power for 12 years, now serves only as caretaker chancellor after she failed to win a clear majority in the September elections.