German parties begin coalition talks in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Germany's Social Democrats (SPD), the Left Party and the Greens began formal talks on Monday to form a three-party coalition government in the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, nearly three weeks after regional elections won by the far right.

The start of negotiations was confirmed by sources involved in the talks, following earlier exploratory discussions and approval from the parties' leadership bodies to proceed.

The talks follow the September 20 state election, in which the Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as the clear winner but fell short of an outright majority.

The nationalist, anti-immigration party secured 32 seats in the 71-member state parliament, while the centre-left SPD won 29 seats and the Greens and Left Party five each.

Together, the three potential coalition partners would hold 39 seats, giving them a majority of three seats and preventing the AfD from taking power.

SPD state leader Manuela Schwesig, Left Party state leader Hennis Herbst and Greens parliamentary group leader Claudia Müller were expected to make a joint statement on Monday afternoon.

The parties face a tight deadline to reach an agreement.

The newly elected state parliament is due to hold its inaugural session on October 20, after which the state constitution allows four weeks to elect a premier.

That means a new state leader must be elected by November 17.