German Chancellor Angela Merkel said today that she aims to form a government as soon as possible, following the collapse last Sunday of talks on a tripartite governing coalition.
"Europe needs a strong Germany, it is desirable to have a government quickly," Merkel said at a party rally, adding that her caretaker government is capable of carrying out day-to-day government activities in Europe's largest economy.
Merkel added that she was ready to talk to the Social Democrats (SPD) after the center-left party annulled its previous decision and announced that it was ready to talk to the Conservatives. The chancellor stressed, however, that any talks must be based on mutual respect.