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.

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.