Negotiators from German election winner Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc and the center-left Social Democrats have started exploratory talks on a possible coalition government.

Negotiators from German election winner Friedrich Merz's conservative bloc and the centre-left Social Democrats started exploratory talks Friday on a possible coalition government, but were tightlipped on the details as they launched what could be a complicated process.

But critics say Merz's style seems imperious and inspired by the disruptive spirit reigning in the United States - and won't go down well in a country where the executive's power

Germany's conservatives led by election winner Friedrich Merz held first talks on Friday with the Social Democrats on forming a coalition government as the country faces multiple challenges at home and abroad.