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Germany’s Coalition Talks Reach Final Stage as SPD Votes on Agreement

Key debates over social cuts, a new digital ministry, and AfD parliamentary role highlight tensions as the Bundestag prepares to vote on Friedrich Merz as chancellor.

Thorsten Frei (CDU)
Image
AfD-Fraktionsvorsitzende Alice Weidel; Unions-Fraktionschef Friedrich Merz (CDU)

Overview

  • SPD members are currently voting on the coalition contract finalized between the CDU/CSU and SPD, with Friedrich Merz's chancellorship vote scheduled for May 6.
  • Thorsten Frei announced forthcoming cuts to health, care, and pensions, citing fiscal pressures from defense spending and demographic shifts.
  • The coalition agreement includes plans for a new CDU-led Digitalisation and State Modernisation ministry, though its remit and structure remain undefined.
  • Jens Spahn's suggestion to treat the AfD like other opposition parties in Bundestag processes has drawn criticism from SPD leaders and CDU colleagues, who reject any normalization of the AfD.
  • SPD leaders, reflecting on poor election results, are calling for leadership renewal, with internal debates over personnel changes expected after the coalition agreement vote.