CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel’s coalition are trying to resolve a stand-off over Germany’s domestic intelligence chief.

The Social Democrats want Hans-Georg Maassen removed for appearing to downplay violence against migrants, but conservative interior minister Horst Seehofer has stood by him.

Maassen had responded to recent violent right-wing protests, saying he had no reliable evidence that foreigners were being “hunted” down in the streets – a term Merkel had used.