Germany's CDU/CSU and SPD Reach Key Agreement in Coalition Talks

The conservative and center-left parties move closer to forming a government, aiming to address economic challenges and defense needs with unprecedented spending plans.

• Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD have completed exploratory talks, clearing the way for formal coalition negotiations.
• The proposed coalition plans include significant economic and defense investments, potentially bypassing Germany's debt brake to fund growth and military rebuilding.
• Key policy agreements include stricter measures on irregular immigration, a 15-euro minimum wage, and stable pensions.
• The coalition aims to finalize negotiations by mid-April, ending months of political deadlock following the collapse of Olaf Scholz's three-way government.
• The ambitious spending plans respond to shifting transatlantic relations under U.S. President Trump and aim to bolster Germany's economic and security role in Europe.

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CNA Deutsche Welle