The power battle underway within Germany’s divided Social Democratic Party could take a new turn next month when Franz Müntefering, a former chairman and deputy chancellor, returns to Berlin after almost one year of absence.

Mr Müntefering, a left-winger-turned advocate of tough economic reforms, is planning a come back after spending the past months in political seclusion to look after his wife, Ankepetra, who died from cancer last month, according to people familiar with his plans.