German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (L) arrives with senior party leaders at the Parliamentary Society, for preliminary coalition talks between Germany's conservative (CDU/CSU) parties and Social Democrats (SPD) in Berlin October 4, 2013. The SPD are seen as the conservative chancellor's most likely partner, but they have said they will not be rushed into a deal. Merkel will also hold preliminary talks with the Greens next week, playing potential partners off against each other. Pictured also: Hesse state Prime Minister Volker Bouffier (C) and Bavarian state Premier and leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) Horst Seehofer (R). REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch (GERMANY - Tags: POLITICS) ELECTIONS)