GETTY Merkel failed to clinch an outright majority in the general election

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Germany went to the polls in September and the German Chancellor has been embroiled in coaltion talks ever since. Mrs Merkel is struggling to hold onto power after her party the Christian Democrats Union (CDU) failed to get a majority in September's elections. The failure of the Chancellor’s party to form a coalition since the election has left Germany without a government for 13 weeks.

German election: Photos from the election Mon, September 25, 2017 Latest pictures during the upcoming general elections in Germany Play slideshow REUTERS 1 of 22 Demonstrators scuffle with police during the protest against the anti-immigration party Alternative for Deutschland AfD, after German general election (Bundestagswahl) in Berlin

The YouGov poll revealed that only 37 per cent of people surveyed expect they will have a new federal government before Easter

According to a survey by YouGov on behalf of the German Press Agency, the public’s belief in the forming of a new government is weak. The German Chancellor has been desperately trying to strike a deal with the former European Parliament President, Martin Schulz, in order to form a government.

The YouGov poll revealed that only 37 per cent of people surveyed expect they will have a new federal government before Easter. The poll shows that 45 per cent of people believe that a new federal government will form after Easter and 18 per cent of people did not answer the question. According to the survey, 44 per cent of people believe that the difficulties in forming a government limit Germany’s ability to act in international politics. YouGov interviewed 2,036 people between 19-21 December.

GETTY The majority of people think that the delay will damage Germany’s reputation abroad

The majority of people think that the delay will damage Germany’s reputation abroad. Only one in five people see no negative impact at an international level. The talks between German parties will continue on January 7, the possible outcomes include a grand coalition, a minority government or a new election.

GETTY Merkel is trying to form a coalition as soon as possible

The head of the German Trade Union Confederation, Reiner Hoffman, called on the parties to form a government urgently. He said: “The erosion of the EU is one of the biggest dangers we face in the new year and after. “We need an effective government that extends its hand towards the French president.”