Merkel: The SPD deal was painful, but acceptable

A painful but acceptable agreement. That is how German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the accord reached with the country's Social Democratic Party for governance. In an interview for German broadcaster ZDF, Merkel dismissed rumours that she is losing authority in the ranks of conservatives, while urging young people in her party to become part of the Cabinet.

Following criticism within her party of concessions made to the Social Democrats during the coalition talks, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended her decision. In an interview for the public broadcaster Z The DF, Merkel deemed the agreement painful but acceptable where its conservative bloc hands over the finance ministry to the party headed by Martin Schulz.

According to the Chancellor, criticism from the ranks of conservatives over this significant loss is not a sign that its authority within the party is shrinking. I understand disappointment, but I will not give up the role as party chairman or as Chancellor. These two tasks belong to one person so that the country will have a stable government,” said Merkel told ZDF.

During the interview, Merkel stressed that the German cabinet will not be composed only of older members. For this reason, the Chancellor invited all young Christian Democrats to meet ministerial positions in the new government.