Germany's Social Democratic Party voted to renew a coalition with Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats, paving the way for her fourth term after nearly six months of political deadlock. The postal ballot saw 66% vote in favor and 34% against the grand coalition, SPD treasurer Dietmar Nietan announced Sunday. The new government could be in place by the end of March after the federal election on September 24 saw both parties lose a record number of votes and left few coalition options for Merkel. Merkel has led Europe's largest economy since 2005. If she finishes her fourth term, she will have been in power ... (full story)