Angela Merkel offered path to fourth term

Social Democrats divided over decision to join Merkel coalition, or opt for a minority govt

Germany’s biggest opposition party is debating whether to begin talks with Angela Merkel on a minority government or a coalition, offering a way to restore political leadership in Europe’s biggest economy.

It’s the first sign the Social Democratic Party may be ready to help the chancellor stay in power after her talks on forming a coalition with three other parties fell apart. As SPD leaders met into the night on Thursday, party head Martin Schulz faced calls by Social Democratic lawmakers and state leaders to drop his refusal to join a Merkel coalition. 

Schulz favors pledging SPD support for a minority government,