Angela Merkel has reportedly delayed her decision on whether to seek another term as German chancellor until early next year.
The date has been set back to give the head of the Christian Democratic Union's sister Christian Social Union party, Horst Seehofer, time to consider supporting Merkel's candidacy, according to news magazine Der Spiegel.
However many in the CDU's circles disputed the explanation on Saturday.
Merkel said at a press conference in July she would unveil her decision "at the appropriate time".
The wait could pose a problem as she was expected to run for another two-year term in the top position in the CDU at the party's December convention but can do so only if she is also a candidate for chancellor.
According to Spiegel, there is concern in Merkel's camp that announcing her candidacy without Seehofer's support would damage her politically.
Ralf Stegner, deputy leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), said on Saturday "the candidacy of Angela Merkel seems to hang by a thread at the mercy of Horst Seehofer".
Merkel had initially pushed back her announcement originally planned for early 2016 because of the refugee crisis and tension with the CSU.
In office since 2005, Merkel heads a grand coalition with the centre-left SPD. Should she win another term, she could potentially beat Helmut Kohl's 16-year record for time in power.
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