In Germany, the new Bundestag meets for its first session after elections in September

Germany's newly elected parliament helds its opening session today. Senior politicians reminded the members of the challenges they face, including preventing a repetition of the economic crisis. Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats form the largest group in the new Bundestag, while the Social democrats - who governed with her during the previous term's grand coalition - are now occupying the opposition benches. Tomorrow the parliament will formally inaugurate the ministers of the new center right government.