Germany CDU/CSU and SPD begin coalition negotiations
Two and a half weeks after the Bundestag elections, the CDU/CSU and SPD have begun formal coalition negotiations on the formation of a new government. Negotiators from the CDU, CSU and SPD met this evening at the CDU headquarters in Berlin for a kick-off meeting. Subsequently, 16 working groups, each with 16 members, are to draw up text proposals for the coalition agreement by March 24. The basis is an eleven-page paper on which both sides have agreed in exploratory talks.
13.03.2025, 18:29
SDA
The negotiations begin under difficult circumstances. The agreement of the Greens is still missing for the central compromise from the exploratory talks. This is necessary in order to pass the agreed billion-euro financial package for defense and infrastructure in the Bundestag next Tuesday, for which a two-thirds majority is required.
Difficult negotiations are also expected on the topics of migration, budget, taxes and defense. The results of the working groups will ultimately be presented in the central negotiating round with 19 members, which includes party leaders Friedrich Merz (CDU), Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken (SPD) and Markus Söder (CSU). The final touches will then be made there. Once the coalition agreement is finalized, it still requires the approval of the responsible committees of the three parties involved. The SPD wants to consult its members.
