German Chancellor Angela Merkel's fractious coalition struck a hard-fought deal Monday on disputed government benefits, trying to present a united front with less than a year until elections.
After more than seven hours of negotiations between Merkel's conservatives and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) stretching into the early morning hours, the parties agreed to axe an unpopular doctor's office fee from January.
In exchange for winning that concession, the FDP agreed to back a benefit from August for parents who care for their children at home.
The online service of news weekly Der Spiegel called it a "Summit of Gifts" ahead of the general election next September or October, intended to shore up support for the governing parties whose majority is under threat.
Read more: Merkel government: voter 'gifts' approved before 2013 poll - The Economic Times
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