The last negotiating session lasted some 17 hours in Berlin, concluding with news of an agreement on the so-called "grand coalition" just after 5 a.m. local time (0400 UTC). The Christian Democrats and Social Democrats had pledged to conclude their negotiations and present a coalition deal by Wednesday, although more time would have been available if required.
The leaders entered the final day of talks with several unresolved issues and points of contention, but the roughly 75 participants managed to reach the required compromises.
During the course of the marathon talks, compromises were reached on issues including Germany's dual-citizenship laws, a minimum wage, pension reforms, and a toll system on German Autobahns for foreign visitors - on the condition that such a move could conform with European Union laws.
Agreement on provisional deal in Germany could create minimum wage and more
