Angela Merkel’s coalition crisis DEEPENS as Social Democrats leader RESIGNS

Andrea Nahles confirmed today that she wanted “clarity” following recents doubts from within her own party about her ability to lead. She said in a statement she will be stepping down as chairwoman of the Social Democrats (SPD) on Monday and leader of its parliamentary faction on Tuesday. This will be to ensure that her successors are found “in an orderly fashion.”

In a statement released by the SPD, Ms Nahles said: “The discussions within the parliamentary faction and feedback from within the party have shown me that I no longer have the necessary support to carry out my duties.”

She had been criticised by the SPD’s left for continuing the coalition with Ms Merkel’s party the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Both the SPD and CDU suffered their worst result in European election history last weekend.

The CDU got 28.9 percent of the vote while the Social Democrats only took home 15.8 percent.

The SPD also came third behind the Green Party, which got 20.5 percent of the vote.

Der Spiegel warned the coalition could be “in danger” following the drubbing.

Ms Nahles said the result of the election was “extremely disappointing”.

But she also congratulated the Green Party on their results, before then telling her party to “keep your chin up”.

Her resignation has come as a surprise as she became party leader in April last year and was expected to run for the position again.

The CDU has called for the coalition, also known as the grand coalition, to continue.

If the SPD quit the coalition, this is likely to trigger fresh elections.

The SPD’s Olaf Scholz, who is also Germany’s vice-chancellor, told the Tagesspiegel newspaper that he has ruled out entering another coalition.

The interview was published today, before Ms Nahles announced her resignation.

He said: “Three grand coalitions in a row would not do democracy in Germany any good.”

source: express.co.uk