Angela Merkel, SPD clinch deal to end Germany's political gridlock

Chancellor Angela Merkel reached a preliminary accord with the Social Democrats to end Germany’s political gridlock, moving closer to a fourth term and defying domestic critics who say her time is running out.

The next hurdles are a key vote by her reluctant SPD partners later this month and then finalising the deal in another round of talks.

After a marathon of more than 24 hours of negotiations, leaders of Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union, her Bavarian sister party and the Social Democrats hammered out an agreement that outlines a possible alliance. The 28-page blueprint, largely aimed at winning over wary SPD members,