Under pressure Merkel still failing to form coalition

Conservative Chancellor, Angela Merkel - under pressure after three months of failing to form a new ruling coalition - has vowed to address growing social divisions as she works rapidly to build a stable German government.

         
Mrs Merkel mapped out key priorities in her annual New Year's address, including increased investments in security and defence, improved health care and education, and efforts to overcome growing urban-rural disparities.
         
"The world is not waiting for us. We must create the conditions now that ensure that Germany continues to prosper in 10, 15 years," the conservative leader said. "And Germany will only prosper if its success serves all people and improves and enriches our lives."
  [rte.ie]
 31/12/17