Shocked and disappointed Social Democrat supporters have rallied behind their leader promising to rebuild their party after their poor showing in Sunday’s poll. Putting on a brave face they vowed to return to the opposition from where they pledged to push themes of social justice.

“I believe that Martin Schulz and the managing board are right because the SPD in the position of a junior partner in a big coalition would not be able to reshape it’s profile,” said former SPD presidential candidate 2009, Gesine Schwan.

“I think Martin Schulz is too recent in German politics to be responsible for this result. I think the reason for the result is a weakness within the SPD. There is a certain mood in this country. I think that Martin Schulz is the right candidate for leading us in opposition, too,” was the verdict of one SPD supporter.

Daring to envisage a new future for the SDP appears to have gone down well.

“The SPD won’t be in the coalition. Martin Schulz will stay and try his luck in opposition. The signs are Merkel will try to partner up with the business-friendly Free democrats and the Greens but at what political price,” asked euronews reporter Lutz Faupel.