Overview

• CDU leader Friedrich Merz and SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil highlight a growing relationship of trust, with Merz offering Klingbeil the informal 'Du' as a goodwill gesture.
• Both parties express optimism about constructive negotiations, despite unresolved issues on federal finances, tax policy, and migration.
• SPD leaders, including Lars Klingbeil and Matthias Miersch, stress the importance of compromise and mutual respect in shaping a stable coalition.
• Smaller preparatory meetings have addressed specific challenges ahead of formal discussions resuming at the CDU headquarters in Berlin.
• Klingbeil defended SPD co-leader Saskia Esken against criticism, reaffirming their close and trustful working relationship.