German conservatives, FDP say exploratory talks 'constructive'

BERLIN – Exploratory talks on building a coalition between German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative bloc and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) were constructive, the two groups said on Wednesday.

"Today was a first, very constructive, good discussion that will of course be followed by more discussions," Peter Tauber, General Secretary of Merkel's Christian Democrats (CSU) told reporters after two hours of discussions.

Tauber's counterparts in the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) and the FDP echoed that message, saying the atmosphere was good. Later, the conservative bloc meets the Greens for exploratory talks on forming a three-way alliance.