Germany’s federal election is over, and the FDP, Greens and SPD are now entering exploratory talks. The parties are considered to be closely aligned on a number of social policy issues. But will that be enough to support successful coalition negotiations and a stable governing alliance at federal level?

Olaf Scholz is optimistic and has made clear that Angela Merkel should not have to deliver another New Year’s address. But what comes next?

This question will be discussed by Christian Böllhoff, CEO of Prognos AG; Anja Gering, Chief Executive of the Lake Constance-Upper Swabia Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Dr Thelse Godewerth, Chief Human Resources Officer at Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG; and Michael Theurer, Member of the German Bundestag and Deputy Chair of the FDP parliamentary group.

The panel, entitled “What next for Germany’s new federal government?”, will take place at this year’s Bodensee Business Forum in Friedrichshafen on 20 October and will be moderated by our colleague Philipp Fleischmann.

For those wishing to attend, tickets for the one-day conference are still available from the organiser, Schwäbisch Media. The event brings together leading figures from politics, business and society to discuss ideas for a world in transition.