Overview

• The CDU–SPD coalition agreement avoids planned tax increases but leaves room for flexibility during crises, as confirmed by leaders Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil.
• Bundestag President Julia Klöckner has offered to mediate disputes over AfD's role in parliamentary committees, a contentious issue dividing coalition factions.
• The coalition supports a voluntary military recruitment model with incentives like free driving licenses, while some CDU members advocate fallback conscription if targets are unmet.
• The timing of a €15 minimum wage increase remains uncertain, pending recommendations from an independent commission expected in spring.
• SPD members will continue voting on the coalition contract until April 29, with CDU and CSU set to finalize their decisions later in the month.