The incoming leader of Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD) said on Friday she was sceptical that their ruling coalition with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives would survive but she was ready to give it a chance. SPD members last Saturday chose two critics of the coalition with Merkel to co-head their party after months of turmoil and dismal performances in regional and European elections. At a party conference on Friday, delegates are expected to vote on demands it will put to Merkel’s conservatives to stay in government, including tougher climate protection measures, an increase in the minimum wage and investment in infrastructure.