Merkel's coalition woes pile up as ally weakened

MUNICH: German Chancellor Angela Merkel's struggling bid to form a government was hit by a new setback Monday as her key ally was weakened in a leadership tussle.

Horst Seehofer, head of Merkel's Bavarian allies the CSU, will step down as premier of the wealthy southern state in early 2018, leaving the post to regional finance minister Markus Soeder.

Seehofer, 68, intends to stay on as chairman of the Christian Social Union, a less influential post than that of premier of the Alpine state.

The party veteran has held both roles since 2008, but has come under fire after leading his party to a record low score in September's general elections.