Talks on forming a coalition government in Germany have collapsed, leaving Angela Merkel facing her biggest challenge in 12 years as chancellor.
The free-market liberal FDP pulled out after four weeks of talks with Mrs Merkel’s CDU/CSU bloc and the Greens.
FDP leader Christian Lindner said there was “no basis of trust” between them.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Germany was facing an unprecedented situation and that he would hold talks with all parties.
He said this would include parties that not had been involved in the talks so far and called on politicians to work together and make compromises for the “well-being” of the country.
He acknowledged rising concern in neighbouring countries about the situation.
Earlier Mrs Merkel said she regretted the collapse.
CDU deputy chairman Armin Laschet told journalists that Mrs Merkel had held a conference call on Monday morning with the party leadership and had retained its support.
Meanwhile, the Social Democrats, led by Martin Schulz, have again ruled out joining another grand coalition with Mrs Merkel’s bloc.
“We are not afraid of new elections,” Mr Schulz said.
Mrs Merkel’s bloc won September’s poll, but many voters deserted the mainstream parties.
“As chancellor, I will do everything to ensure that this country is well managed in the difficult weeks to come,” she said.
