German Greens pave way for new coalition

Germany's Greens are to announce the result of a members' vote on whether to go ahead with a three-way coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Free Democrats (FDP).

A 'yes' vote on Monday would pave the way for the first government in 16 years without Angela Merkel at the helm.

There is little doubt that the coalition agreement will be approved, despite some dispute about the allocation of government posts in the run-up to the vote.

The centre-left SPD and the pro-business FDP already gave the deal their blessing at party conferences over the weekend.

If the Greens follow suit as expected, the new government will be sealed on Tuesday with the signing of the coalition agreement. On Wednesday, chancellor-designate Olaf Scholz of the SPD will be sworn in as Merkel's successor.

The names of nine federal ministers from the Greens and the FDP are already known, and seven more will be named by the SPD on Monday.

The important health minister portfolio is still to be assigned. Karl Lauterbach, a member of the Bundestag on behalf of the SPD, an epidemiologist and frequent talk show guest, is a major contender for the position.

Scholz wants to have at least as many women as men in his government. To achieve this, five of the seven federal ministerial posts held by the SPD would have to be filled by women.