Overview
- Formal negotiations began to form a new SPD–CDU government after the SPD/BSW coalition collapsed about two weeks ago.
- Both parties aim to conclude talks by mid-March, with the SPD pointing to March 14 and the CDU calling the timetable feasible.
- Key bargaining issues include public procurement wage rules, as the SPD seeks tariftreue and a €15 floor while the CDU opposes mandates, alongside disagreements over education policy.
- Following two BSW defections to the SPD, an SPD–CDU alliance would command a two-seat majority in the state parliament.
- AfD and BSW continue to press for new elections, and an Insa poll for Nordkurier reports roughly two-thirds of respondents want a fresh vote.