German parties aim to finish exploratory work by Friday - FDP official

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) Secretary General Lars Klingbeil, the Greens party Federal Political Director Michael Kellner and Free Democratic Party (FDP) Secretary General Volker Wissing give a press statement after a meeting for exploratory talks for a possible new government coalition, in Berlin, Germany, October 12, 2021. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

The three parties that made big gains in Germany's national election aim by Friday to have a basis on which to decide whether to move to full coalition, the Free Democrats' Secretary General Volker Wissing said on Tuesday

"We will assess the results of the past few days' discussions and write down what we can do together," Wissing said, adding the parties are now discussing the areas where they are the furthest apart.

The process was "very difficult" and there was no guarantee of an actual decision on Friday, but the discussions were productive, he added.

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) Secretary General Lars Klingbeil and the Greens party Federal Political Director Michael Kellner speak to members of the media after a meeting for exploratory talks for a possible new government coalition, in Berlin, Germany, October 12, 2021. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

"After past days of talks, I am sure we can come up with an agreement together if we work on it," German Social Democrat's Secretary General Lars Klingbeil said, adding he is optimistic about the next two days of negotiations.

(Reporting by Thomas Escritt and Zuzanna Szymanska)

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group leader Rolf Muetzenich leaves after a meeting for exploratory talks for a possible new government coalition, in Berlin, Germany, October 12, 2021. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) top candidate for chancellor Olaf Scholz leaves after a meeting for exploratory talks for a possible new government coalition, in Berlin, Germany, October 12, 2021. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse

Chief Executive Officer of the Greens parliamentary group, Britta Hasselmann arrives at a meeting for exploratory talks for a possible new government coalition, in Berlin, Germany, October 12, 2021. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse