Germany ’s center-left Social Democrats have approved a deal to join a new coalition government, paving the way for parliament to elect conservative leader Friedrich Merz as the country’s new chancellor.

Germany’s Social Democrats voted in favor of the coalition deal with Friedrich Merz’s conservatives, clearing the way for the leader of the conservative bloc to be confirmed as chancellor next week.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the country's presumptive next chancellor, on Monday urged his centre-right party's delegates to approve a coalition deal struck with the Social Democrats (SPD).