Scathing analysis of Schulz’s election debacle underlines crisis for social democracy

Bundestag vote brings an end to political uncertainty in Europe’s largest economy

Chancellor will be backed by a team of fresh faces after she is sworn in on Wednesday

Former leader to be replaced as foreign minister in Angela Merkel’s next government

Chancellor restores authority but critics say government not as robust as it seems

Crisis averted for German chancellor after SPD members vote to work with conservatives

Damaged by election and coalition, veteran chancellor under pressure to lay out succession

Hype around SPD leader melts away and leaves him in the wilderness

Sigmar Gabriel accuses fellow Social Democrat of breach of faith

A tough negotiator, the popular Hamburg mayor is praised for his grasp of detail

Senior party figures fear decision could overshadow critical member vote on coalition

Deal spells end to ‘diktat of austerity’ but there are limits to Berlin’s largesse

Left-of-centre Social Democrats to take finance and foreign ministries

New government will raise spending but keep a balanced budget

Move to revive “grand coalition” snaps five-month deadlock following elections

MPs wary of any deal that allows extra German cash for crisis-hit EU nations

Deadline to finalise deal extended with both parties upbeat agreement can be reached

Parties have set Sunday deadline to bridge differences on labour law and social policy