AfD candidate Alexander Gauland (L) at an event following Berlin's election on September 24, 2017 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Merkel said her party will form a coalition with the Greens, the business-friendly Free Democrats (FDP), and the Social Democrats (SPD). She added that 3 other parties are responsible for building a stable government. She said forming a government is not the most urgent issue in Europe. She assured European leaders that Germany will act responsibly in the transition phase.