Germany's SPD backs new leaders' demands to stay in Merkel coalition

German Social Democrats (SPD) on Friday endorsed a set of demands the party will make to Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives to remain in government together.

In a show of hands, a large majority of SPD delegates at a party conference backed the motion which included tougher climate protection measures, investment in infrastructure and an increase in the minimum wage.

The conservatives have said they do not want to renegotiate the 2018 coalition deal or make radical changes but have signalled that they may consider some more modest ideas.