Merkel involves President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Germany's options after coalition talks collapse
20 November, 14:52Steinmeier would first have to propose a chancellor to parliament, who must win a majority of all lawmakers to be elected. If that fails, parliament has 14 days to elect a candidate of its own choosing, again by an absolute majority.
And if that fails, Steinmeier would propose a candidate who could be elected by a plurality of votes. Steinmeier would then have to decide whether to appoint a minority government or dissolve parliament, triggering an election within 60 days.
(ANSA).