Following weeks of intense negotiations, the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the center-left SPD have unveiled a coalition agreement aimed at establishing a new government.
72191530_803.webp
The urgency of the discussions escalated in response to various global and national challenges. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), appeared optimistic during a press conference in Berlin alongside coalition partners: Markus Söder, leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), and SPD co-leaders Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken. Merz is poised to become Germany's 10th chancellor since World War II. Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz declared that Germany is "back on track," expressing confidence that the coalition government will "advance our country once again." The CDU/CSU coalition reached an agreement with the SPD and introduced a comprehensive 144-page document promising tax reductions and a stricter approach to immigration. As of now, Merz has not finalized the new cabinet; however, several prominent politicians are being considered for key positions following the February elections, where the conservative CDU/CSU emerged as the largest party. Most of these top roles are expected to be occupied by men, including the increasingly significant defense minister position. - Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister: Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the SPD, is anticipated to assume the influential roles of finance minister and vice-chancellor. Holding these vital positions could pave the way for his future candidacy for chancellor. - Foreign Minister: Johann Wadephul, the 62-year-old deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, is a strong contender for the foreign ministry. He has advocated for Ukraine to strike targets within Russia using Western-supplied weapons. Armin Laschet, a former CDU leader and 2021 chancellor candidate, is also in the mix. - Interior Minister: The CSU is expected to appoint its state group leader, Alexander Dobrindt, to the interior ministry—an important role for the party—though his interest in the position remains uncertain. - Defense Minister: SPD incumbent Boris Pistorius is likely to retain his role as defense minister, having garnered praise from both colleagues and the public.
IMG-20250409-WA0013.jpg
At 65 years old, he has been consistently recognized as one of Germany's most popular politicians, especially in light of rising concerns regarding Russian aggression. He might also serve as Merz's deputy if Klingbeil opts out. Svenja Schulze from the SPD is anticipated to continue as Minister for Development, while Klara Geywitz is expected to remain as Minister for Construction. There is speculation about Sonja Eichwede, a Bundestag member from Brandenburg, stepping into the justice ministry, though the current interior minister, Nancy Faeser, is also in contention for this role. It remains uncertain whether the often-criticized SPD co-leader Saskia Esken will secure a cabinet position; she has yet to address this issue.
Bärbel Bas, the current Bundestag President, could be considered for a new role, possibly replacing Hubertus Heil as labor minister. Additionally, Karin Prien, the education minister from Schleswig-Holstein, may be elevated to the national education minister position.