Although the Belgian Christian-Democrats are considered to be conservatives, they are close to the Social-Democrats, their preferred partners in government.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Europe dumps democracy

After all, the coalition, between her centre-right Christian Democrats and the centre-left Social Democrats, came about only because she and her party did unexpectedly badly in last September's election.

ECONOMIST: Germany's government

On the other hand, these two main parties--I mean, the Social Democrats themselves and the Christian Democrats--they are basically two social democratic parties.

NPR: Merkel Claims Top Job in German Government