Scholz moves step closer to succeeding Merkel as German chancellor

Greens and liberals say they are willing to enter formal coalition talks with Scholz's Social Democratic party

Olaf Scholz has come a step closer to succeeding Angela Merkel as German chancellor after the Greens and liberals announced their readiness to enter formal coalition talks with his Social Democratic party.

Scholz, who is also the serving finance minister, welcomed the agreement, triggered by an invitation from the Greens to the Free Democrats (FDP), for the three parties to start talks on Thursday. It makes the prospect of a centre-left government replacing the centre-right which has been in power after 16 years more likely than at any time since 26 September election.