German coalition talks collapse — The reactions

"It is at least a day of deep contemplation about how things proceed in Germany. But I want to say to you that I, as chancellor, will do everything to lead this country through these difficult weeks."

"It is better not to govern than to govern incorrectly."

"An agreement would have been possible with the necessary goodwill. We were ready for this agreement right till the last seconds, and even to go a bit further, where you cannot actually go."

"The SPD is not the spare wheel on Ms. Merkel's careening car."

"It is a pity that we did not succeed in achieving that which was within our reach."

"This party-political egoism damages our democracy."

"We believed we were on a path where an agreement could have been reached. I regret, with full respect for the FDP, that we could not come to a mutual agreement."

"Merkel has failed. She wanted to pursue green-and-black politics and not engage with the concerns of the FDP. The collapse of talks was the logical consequence."

"You can do what the FDP did, but don't have to. Well-prepared spontaneity. The decent thing would have been if all party chairpeople had announced the cancellation together."

"I see that we're having an effect. Frau Merkel has failed, and it is time for her to go as chancellor."