09.04.2025 21:51
After 45 days of ongoing negotiations in Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have reached an agreement on a coalition government. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is expected to take office as Chancellor on May 7.
After the early general election held in Germany on February 23, the parties that will be in the government have been determined. Following 45 days of negotiations in Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have reached an agreement on a coalition government.
The political uncertainty in Germany has come to an end. After the last elections, no party was able to govern alone in Germany, and an agreement was reached in the coalition negotiations.
AGREEMENT REACHED
The leaders of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party, Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) Markus Söder, and the co-leaders of the SPD, Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken, met at the CDU headquarters to conduct the final round of coalition negotiations. It was announced that the parties had reached an agreement regarding the establishment of the coalition government after the discussions.
The party leaders appeared before the cameras in the afternoon to share the consensus reached with the public and provided information about the details of the coalition agreement.
"TRUST HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BETWEEN CDU/CSU AND SPD"
The candidate for Prime Minister and CDU leader Merz stated that Germany will now have a "strong and capable government," saying, "Trust has been established between CDU/CSU and SPD." Merz expressed optimism that the new government could serve for four years, noting that the consensus reached as a result of intense negotiations constitutes a "strong and clear message" to the citizens of Germany and the European Union.
"COALITION NEGOTIATIONS WERE CONDUCTED UNDER GREAT PRESSURE"
Merz indicated that the coalition negotiations were conducted under great pressure due to the global political situation, stating, "Many forces from both inside and outside were working against us." Merz emphasized that the new government aims to economically strengthen Germany again. He stated, "The government will implement reforms and investments to keep Germany stable, make it safer, and strengthen it economically."
"GERMANY IS A COUNTRY OF IMMIGRATION AND WILL REMAIN SO"
SPD co-leader Klingbeil stated, "Germany is a country of immigration and will remain so." He noted that those who integrate can obtain German citizenship, emphasizing that despite the aim for stricter border controls, the right to asylum is inviolable.
MERZ IS EXPECTED TO ASSUME OFFICE AS PRIME MINISTER ON MAY 7
In the upcoming process, the agreement reached between CDU/CSU and SPD will be submitted for approval by party members. After a process expected to last 2 weeks, the parties forming the coalition will sign a protocol. With this, the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition government will be established for the fifth time in Germany's recent history.
If the proposed timeline proceeds as planned, it is expected that on May 7, Friedrich Merz, the candidate for Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Union, will become the new Chancellor of the country in the Federal Assembly.
MINISTRIES HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED
According to reports in the German press, the parties have also reached an agreement on the distribution of ministries. In the potential cabinet, which has not been officially announced, the CDU will receive the Chancellorship along with 6 ministries, the CSU will receive 3 ministries, and the SPD will receive 7 ministries. The most notable ministry distribution in the agreement was regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After years, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has passed to the major partner of the coalition. The CDU will manage the ministry after 60 years.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) has taken the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space will be managed by members of the Christian Social Union (CSU).
WHAT HAPPENED?
In the general elections held in Germany on February 23, the CDU/CSU received 28.5%, the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) Party received 20.8%, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) received 16.4% of the votes. In the resulting 630-seat Federal Assembly, the CDU/CSU held 208 seats, while the SPD held 120 seats.