CDU Faces Internal Pressure as Coalition Talks Reach Final Phase
With the AfD equaling the CDU/CSU in polls, Friedrich Merz encounters growing dissent within his party over the lack of a clear policy shift in negotiations with the SPD.
- The CDU/CSU and SPD are nearing the conclusion of coalition negotiations, with a potential agreement expected this week.
- Recent polls show the AfD tied with the CDU/CSU at 24%, a historic low for the Union and a sign of voter dissatisfaction.
- The Junge Union has criticized Friedrich Merz's leadership, threatening to oppose the coalition agreement if key policy changes on migration, economy, and bureaucracy are not secured.
- SPD leaders, including Saskia Esken, remain firm on preserving asylum rights, rejecting proposals for outsourcing asylum procedures to third countries.
- CDU leadership expresses optimism about finalizing a coalition deal, but internal critics warn that failing to deliver on campaign promises could further benefit the AfD.
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