German Conservative Asks If Merkel Coalition Can Survive Spy Row

A senior member of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives talked openly for the first time on Tuesday of the potential breakup of their coalition with the Social Democrats due to a row over the activities of Germany's BND spy agency. Critics accuse Merkel's staff of allowing the BND foreign intelligence agency to help the U.S. National Security Agency spy on European firms and officials. The row has dented Merkel's popularity and strained relations in her right-left coalition, with SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel - her vice-chancellor - challenging her over her role. Michael Fuchs, the outspoken deputy parliamentary floor leader of Merkel's conservatives, raised the possibility of new elections in the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper. Fuchs said, "What would happen if Angela Merkel went for early elections via a vote of confidence in parliament?" pointing to polls showing his party might emerge with other coalition options.