Allies of Angela Merkel welcomed the formation of the first “Jamaica” coalition of Christian Democrats, liberals and Greens on Monday, a move that could decisively improve the German chancellor’s prospects of winning a third term in 2013.

Local Green party delegates in the small state of Saarland voted on Sunday in favour of forming their first ever ruling alliance with the Christian Democratic Union and the Free Democratic party – the colours of the parties matching those of Jamaica’s black-green-yellow flag.