Overview

• The SPD has officially approved the coalition agreement with CDU/CSU, clearing the way for Friedrich Merz's expected election as Chancellor on May 6.
• Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz will be honored with a Große Zapfenstreich on May 5, marking the formal end of his tenure.
• SPD leader Lars Klingbeil is confirmed to take on the roles of Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister in the incoming government.
• Key CDU ministerial appointments include Johann Wadephul as Foreign Minister, Alexander Dobrindt as Interior Minister, and Katherina Reiche as Economics Minister.
• The incoming government has outlined plans to prioritize border security, migration limits, and data retention policies in its initial actions.