BERLIN — Like any good compromise, the proposed coalition deal for a new German government has left just about everyone unhappy. But in the week since the agreement was announced, bubbling dissatisfaction has reached a boil.
Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared on national television trying to quell a mutiny in her ranks over the new “grand coalition” between her conservative alliance and the center-left Social Democrats. Martin Schulz, the Social Democratic leader, was forced to hand over the reins of his party.
At this stage, it is hard to tell which side feels most aggrieved.
During the election campaign, Mr. Schulz told voters his party’s role was in opposition. He insisted that neither the Social Democrats, nor he personally, would enter into another government led by Chancellor Merkel.
But after the collapse of Ms. Merkel’s three-way coalition talks with other parties in November, Mr. Schulz reneged on his pledge, agreeing to discuss the prospect of a third coalition government under the conservative chancellor.