Key issue of taxation: The coalition talks will test both sides' ability to come up with a unified plan

Here in Germany, Chancellor Merkel's conservatives and the pro-business Free Democrats start coalition negotiations today on a range of policies, including the key issue of taxation. Both parties pledged tax cuts during the election campaign -- the conservatives 15-Bbillion euros worth and the FDP a whopping 35-Bbillion euros. The coalition talks will test both sides' ability to come up with a unified plan AND ways to finance it.