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Economists say insolvency waiver introduced during pandemic should not be extended, but politicians are divided
The party has a leftwing base but needs centrist votes to win next year’s election
Party hopes finance minister’s record during pandemic will appeal to voters in elections next year
Far-right AfD predicted to barely reach threshold to gain seats in city-state’s parliament
Sunday’s poll offers glimmer of hope for long-suffering Social Democrats
Merkel’s party backs proposals to curtail role of ‘untrustworthy’ suppliers
Incoming duo outline political programme that would take party markedly to the left
New leadership softens demand for changes in motion to be put to party congress
Hubertus Heil rejects drift to left and cautions over being seen to ‘flee’ government
Change of SPD leadership heralds a broader shift in alignment
Leftwing leaders have threatened to lead party out of alliance with Angela Merkel’s conservative bloc
Leadership vote looks likely to hasten Merkel’s exit and bring the Green party into power
Norbert Walter-Borjans and Saskia Esken’s victory raises doubts over German coalition
Final vote will signal whether party plans to keep faith with or abandon grand coalition
Tensions over payments for those on low incomes were a threat to coalition
Party still faces vote on whether to continue with deal keeping Angela Merkel in office
Olaf Scholz and co-candidate win first round of voting
Contest raises hope of revival for German left after years of infighting and decline
Far-right party’s strong showing in regional polls leaves CDU and SPD struggling to form coalitions
Mainstream parties wane but set to cling to power in polls in Brandenburg and Saxony
Impact of Alternative for Germany has been to hasten unravelling of established parties
Party has been scarred by infighting and hemmed in by its commitment to coalition with CDU
As the era of Angela Merkel closes, new political alliances and ideas are needed
Politics shaken up by interest in environment and decline of working class vote
Overhaul aimed at revitalising party will show it is ‘full of life’, says interim leader
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