Golden Age A Billionaire Backer and the Murky Finances of the AfD All eyes are on the AfD's finances following reports of large donations from Switzerland and Holland. Now, reporting has revealed that the right-wing party has enjoyed big-money support from the very beginning. Von Melanie Amann, Sven Becker und Sven Röbel
The Schism Merkel's Conservatives Divided and Discordant Chancellor Angela Merkel's contentious relationship with her new interior minister, Horst Seehofer, threatens to overshadow her fourth term in office. The two conservative leaders fundamentally disagree about who their constituents should be. Von Melanie Amann, Ralf Neukirch und René Pfister
The Two Women at the Top Inside the Relationship Between Berlin's Uncertain New Allies Never before in German history have two governing parties been led by women. The country's political stability will now hinge on the relationship between Andrea Nahles and Angela Merkel. By DER SPIEGEL Staff
Where's the Enthusiasm? Germany's New Milquetoast Government With the Social Democrats having approved a new coalition with Chancellor Angela Merkel, Germany finally has a government. Despite the breakthrough, however, enthusiasm is in short supply in Berlin. Von Florian Gathmann
Big-Tent Blues The Silver Lining of Germany's Political Chaos A wave of political change is crashing over Germany and the country's once-proud big-tent parties are in a state of crisis. As frightening as the development may be, it also presents an opportunity. Von Mathieu von Rohr
Crumbling Big-Tent Parties German Politics Enters Era of Instability Germany's big-tent parties have ensured political stability for decades. But they are rapidly losing power and influence. The Social Democrats are witnessing an open rebellion against party leadership while many conservatives are beginning to doubt Merkel's abilities. By DER SPIEGEL Staff
Opinion Can the Rock of Gibraltar Falter? Germany used to be an anchor of international stability. But that's changing. The political chaos surrounding Angela Merkel's attempts to create a new government serve as a warning that the country is not immune to factors that are destabilizing other European countries. Von Henrik Müller
Chaos in Berlin Schulz, Merkel and How Not to Negotiate a Coalition It looked like Martin Schulz of the Social Democrats had finally one-upped Chancellor Merkel. But then, just as his party secured key cabinet positions in Germany's potential new government, he messed everything up. And Merkel's position isn't much better. Von SPIEGEL Staff
After Angela A New Leader in the Race to Succeed Merkel For years, it was assumed that German Chancellor Angela Merkel would seek to hand the reins of party leadership over to Ursula von der Leyen. But lately, a new face has emerged in the mix: Saarland Governor Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Von Melanie Amann und Ralf Neukirch
Distrust and Anger Inside Germany's Rocky Coalition Talks Preliminary talks to form a new government in Berlin, following the collapse of a previous effort, underscore the degree to which the power of the leaders of Germany's main political parties has eroded. Angela Merkel's own weakness is more apparent than ever. Von Melanie Amann, Veit Medick, Ralf Neukirch und René Pfister
Grand Coalition Redux Progress for Merkel In Search for a Government An end to Germany's leadership vacuum may finally be in sight as Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and the center-left Social Democrats reached a preliminary agreement on Friday morning. But there are plenty of hurdles still left to clear. Von Florian Gathmann
Country without a Government Merkel's Difficult Road to a Coalition Three months after the election, Germany is as far away from a governing coalition as ever and Social Democrats don't expect an agreement before Easter. Meanwhile, Germany's influence in the EU is on the wane. By DER SPIEGEL Staff
End of an Era Surveying the Ruins of Merkelism The Merkel era has been characterized by a deep yearning for stability. Yet her tenure has led to Germany's current period of instability. It is time to move on from Merkelism. Von Dirk Kurbjuweit
SPIEGEL Interview with Martin Schulz 'I'm Made of Stern Stuff' SPD leader Martin Schulz twice ruled out a continuation of the grand coalition with Chancellor Merkel's conservatives. Now, though, he has little choice but to consider such an alliance anyway. He speaks with DER SPIEGEL about what that means for him, his party, Germany and Europe. Von Markus Feldenkirchen und Veit Medick
Germany's Fate The Dispiriting Prospect of a New Grand Coalition With Angela Merkel's first effort at assembling a governing coalition having failed, a run-back of her current alliance with the Social Democrats appears likely. That, though, is hardly something to look forward to. And may not happen at all. By DER SPIEGEL staff
Hello? Anybody Home? Germany's Voice Suddenly Missing in Brussels After the German election, French President Emmanuel Macron laid out his vision for far-reaching EU reforms. But with coalition talks having collapsed in Germany, Berlin suddenly has no voice. Some in Brussels are yearning for a return of the SPD. Von Peter Müller
Germany, Democracy and the World The End of the End of History The collapse of coalition talks in Berlin are far from a national crisis. But it is symptomatic. It is time for German politicians to realize what is at stake for their country and the rest of the Western world. Von Klaus Brinkbäumer
Collapse Germany Seeks to Pick Up the Pieces With coalition talks having collapsed, the country and the continent are now wondering what happens next. Blame is being heaped on the FDP, but the party could end up suffering mightily. Germany and Europe, meanwhile, are the biggest losers. By DER SPIEGEL Staff
Coalition Talks Collapse Germany Wins, Merkel Loses The collapse of coalition negotiations in Berlin is a win for political clarity in Germany. The parties involved would hardly have been able to govern effectively together. But it marks the end of Chancellor Merkel's style of governing. Von Ullrich Fichtner
German Meltdown Everyone Loses in Coalition Collapse After the collapse of the German coalition talks, the blame game has already begun. Yet all the parties bear responsibility for how the negotiations failed. Von Philipp Wittrock