Germany's CDU and SPD Coalition Talks Face Delays Over Key Policy Disputes

Negotiations falter on migration, tax relief, and social welfare reforms, pushing Friedrich Merz's Easter deadline out of reach.

Coalition negotiations between the CDU and SPD remain unresolved, with leadership discussions addressing proposals from 16 working groups.
Contentious issues include migration policy, tax relief funding, and the overhaul of Germany's social welfare system.
The parties have agreed to replace the Bürgergeld with a stricter Grundsicherung system, reintroducing harsher sanctions and prioritizing job placement.
Friedrich Merz faces internal criticism within the CDU for his handling of negotiations and the party's underwhelming election performance.
Saarland's Ministerpräsidentin Anke Rehlinger emphasizes the need for durable compromises over adhering to tight timelines.