Dr Brandenburg explains that in Germany there is no formal system for creating a coalition. While in the UK the Queen asks the leader of the largest party to try to form a government, in Germany all parties can talk to each other at all times to try to make a deal. “It’s actually quite a messy process,” he said.

But he says he finds it “irritating” when coalition negotiations are framed as “horse-trading” or the result of dodgy backroom deals. Parties draw up coalition contracts based on their political manifestos and compromises with other parties, consult their membership, and all sides then sign up to the deal.

“It’s the normal thing in all PR systems with many parties and coalition governments,” he said. “Parties set out, this is what we want, and then it’s a question of finding acceptable compromises on these things. Presenting it all as horse trading, I think it’s very negative phrasing.”

That said, it won’t be easy. Germany is used to coalitions between two parties, but not three or more. A poll published on Monday said only 37% were satisfied with the outcome of Sunday’s election, with 58% saying they were less satisfied or not at all satisfied with the result.

Speaking to German public broadcaster ZDF, Green party co-leader Robert Habeck said they needed to see how well they get along with the liberal Free Democratic Party.

“This is a sign of adult politics,” he said, adding that both sides needed to “create a space of trust”.

Following Germany’s last election in 2017 it took six months to form a new government, after talks between different parties collapsed. Mr Habeck said those negotiations were an example of “how not to do this”.

“In the end it has to be a total work of art,” he said.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58718307