Germany's center-right woos Greens for possible coalition

Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right bloc has sought to win over the environmentalist Greens for a possible new governing coalition in Germany

BERLIN -- Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right bloc sought to win over the environmentalist Greens for a possible coalition Tuesday as the parties that hope for a share of power in Germany wrapped up their first talks on forming a new government.

The Union bloc's candidate for chancellor, state governor Armin Laschet, led it to its worst-ever result in Germany's Sept. 26 parliamentary election. The bloc's only hope of keeping the top job is a coalition with the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats, who came in third and fourth in that vote.

The Greens and the Free Democrats held separate exploratory meetings Sunday with the center-left Social Democrats and their candidate, outgoing Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who narrowly won the election and appears to have the best chances of succeeding Merkel.

The Union met with the Free Democrats on Sunday. Laschet said Tuesday his delegation has now had a “good exchange” with the Greens.