German parties urge referendums on major EU decisions


A general overview shows members of Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Germany's conservative (CDU/CSU) parties before the start of coalition talks in Berlin. November 11, 2013. REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz

BERLIN (Reuters) - German parties negotiating a coalition deal have recommended holding nationwide referendums for major decisions on Europe in what would be a dramatic shift in policy, but Chancellor Angela Merkel looks likely to quash the proposal.

The idea was spelled out in a document put together by one of the working groups discussing policy compromises to enable a government between Merkel's conservatives and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Russian forces pressuring Pokrovsk as 'last battles' rage
NATO expected to launch Arctic Sentry mission in coming days, sources say
UK's Starmer refuses to heed calls to quit over Mandelson scandal
Sudanese nomads trapped as war fuels banditry and ethnic splits
Spain's far-right Vox doubles its seats in Aragon regional vote
UK's Starmer refuses to heed calls to quit over Mandelson scandal
US Vice President Vance heads to Armenia, Azerbaijan to push peace, trade
Fifty-three migrants dead or missing after boat capsizes off Libya, IOM says
Rubio to lead US delegation to Munich Security Conference, chairman says
Italy's Alpine rescuers urge caution after string of avalanche deaths

Others Also Read