Germany CDU/CSU and SPD conclude exploratory talks with agreement
The first step on the way to a black-red federal government has been taken. Less than two weeks after the Bundestag elections, the CDU, CSU and SPD negotiators have concluded their exploratory talks. Agreement has been reached on a whole range of issues, said CDU leader Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
08.03.2025, 15:29
SDA
A joint paper should form the basis for coalition negotiations, which could possibly begin next week, said Merz.
In the exploratory talks so far, the CDU/CSU and SPD have explored differences and common ground. Anyone entering into coalition negotiations, however, does so with the clear intention of forming a joint government. However, failure cannot be ruled out at this stage either.
The likely future Chancellor Friedrich Merz has set himself the goal of being through with the negotiations by Easter.
The CDU/CSU clearly won the Bundestag elections on February 23 with 28.5 percent. The SPD finished behind the AfD (20.8 percent) with 16.4 percent. There is no alternative to the black-red coalition because the black-green coalition does not have a majority and the CDU/CSU has clearly ruled out working with the AfD.
