Politics Germany: CDU approves coalition agreement
After the CSU, the CDU has also approved the coalition agreement with the SPD. At a small party conference in Berlin, around 150 delegates voted in favor of the 144-page agreement entitled "Responsibility for Germany".
28.04.2025, 16:15
SDA
Now all that remains is for the SPD to let its 358,000 members decide. The result is to be announced on Wednesday.
"Overwhelming majority"
The coalition agreement was voted on by holding up the delegates' cards. The chair of the meeting, Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer, then spoke of an "overwhelming majority". It was not clear whether there were any votes against or abstentions.
Following a U-turn by CDU leader Friedrich Merz in the coalition negotiations, for example on the debt brake, there had also been displeasure in the CDU/CSU about the agreement, including in the Junge Union. However, hardly any open criticism was voiced in the debate at the small party conference.
SPD approval considered likely
SPD members can still vote until 23:59 tomorrow, Tuesday. In addition to a majority of votes, 20 percent of party members must participate. The Social Democrats have also criticized the agreement due to the passages on migration and social policy.
The Juso leadership has spoken out against it. Nevertheless, a majority approval by the members is considered very likely - especially because the only alternatives would be a coalition between the Christian Democrats and the right-wing populist AfD, a minority government or a new Bundestag election.
Chancellor election planned for May 6
If the SPD also agrees, the coalition agreement will be formally signed on May 5. On May 6, CDU leader Friedrich Merz is to be elected Chancellor in the Bundestag. He needs a majority of all members of the Bundestag by secret ballot, i.e. 316 votes - also known as a chancellor's majority. The Bundestag consists of 328 politicians from the Christian Democrats and SPD.
However, it is considered likely that the majority will be achieved in the first ballot. Otherwise, a second ballot can be scheduled within two weeks - possibly with a different candidate. If there is still no chancellor majority, a majority of the votes of the MPs present will suffice in a third ballot.
