One might be forgiven for thinking that money would no longer be a problem in the coalition negotiations between the center-right Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the center-left Social Democrats (SPD). After all, they have just pushed a trillion-euro debt package through parliament.

But that money is earmarked only for defense, infrastructure and climate protection.

It can only be spent as a supplement to the regular federal budget, in which there remains a gaping hole of at least €100 billion ($108 billion) for the duration of the new government's projected four years in power.

The SPD caters to its working-class base and would like to increase taxes on high earners, but the CDU/CSU is opposed. At this stage, negotiations are underway with 19 senior politicians from all three parties, based on the findings of negotiators in working groups who had reached some consensus but found many issues to remain divisive.

Sticking points remain in the areas of immigration, taxes, pensions and energy policy.

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What's more, many promises were made during the election campaign, and the working........

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