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4w ago

Germany's Bundestag Convenes as Coalition Talks Stall Over Migration Policy

The CDU/CSU and SPD remain divided on key issues, with the far-right AfD assuming its role as the main opposition party in a fragmented parliament.

Lawmakers attend the constituent session of the newly elected German Parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
Lawmakers attend the constituent session of the newly elected German Parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
A view shows the Reichstag building, the seat of the German parliament, the Bundestag, in Berlin, Germany, March 19, 2025. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo
The AfD party faction votes during the constituent session of the newly elected German Parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Overview

  • The new Bundestag convenes with the far-right AfD as the main opposition, holding its largest share of seats since its founding, highlighting Germany's political polarization.
  • Coalition negotiations between Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU and the SPD face significant challenges, particularly over migration policy and welfare reforms.
  • Merz's historic shift to debt-financed spending has drawn backlash from conservative voters and CDU/CSU members, weakening his negotiating position.
  • The SPD holds a stronger hand in talks, given Merz's limited coalition options and his concessions on fiscal policy, including a massive borrowing plan for defense and infrastructure.
  • Despite Merz's goal to finalize the coalition by Easter, unresolved disagreements over migration and welfare reforms threaten to delay the timeline.