Germany’s Coalition Talks Falter as Easter Deadline Slips Away

CDU and SPD negotiations remain deadlocked over migration, fiscal policy, and public spending, with Friedrich Merz facing internal party criticism.

Coalition negotiations between the CDU and SPD are stalled on key issues, including migration policy, tax relief financing, and public spending, making the Easter deadline for government formation increasingly unlikely.
SPD leaders emphasize the need for durable compromises over adhering to strict timelines, signaling that the process may extend beyond Easter.
Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and likely next chancellor, faces mounting criticism within his party over perceived strategic missteps and concessions to the SPD.
The 16 working groups involved in the talks have submitted proposals, but significant disagreements remain unresolved, requiring intervention from top negotiators.
Both parties are under pressure to address voter dissatisfaction, with concerns about trust in traditional parties and the CDU’s approval of debt measures fueling discontent.