It is possible that we can still do it, that Gerhard Schroeder can be chancellor again.

We made it clear we want to govern with Schroeder as chancellor,

It is clear that Germans do not want Mrs. Merkel as their chancellor.

Basically what it boils down to is whether Angela Merkel detaches the Greens from Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder into a coalition with her and the Free Democrats, or whether Chancellor Schroeder detaches the Free Democrats from Angela Merkel's side.

We will only agree to other tax increases in the talks if people with higher incomes are taxed more heavily.

Compromises had to be made, including the division of the ministries. I think we come out of this initial round of talks looking very successful.