Overview

• Friedrich Merz has announced the full slate of CDU/CSU ministers, including Johann Wadephul as Foreign Minister and Katherina Reiche as Economics Minister, signaling his vision for the incoming government.
• The SPD is expected to finalize its ministerial nominees on May 5, following the conclusion of its membership vote on the coalition agreement, which is predicted to pass despite internal tensions over key figures like Saskia Esken.
• The coalition has committed to a 100-day legislative action plan prioritizing the federal budget, migration controls, economic stimulus, and energy law reform before the summer recess.
• North Rhine-Westphalia's leadership has criticized the cabinet appointments, noting the exclusion of prominent figures from the state as a political setback for Minister-President Hendrik Wüst.
• Former Chancellor Angela Merkel plans to attend the Bundestag session on May 6, marking a symbolic moment as Merz, her long-time political rival, is expected to be elected Chancellor.