Overview

• SPD members are conducting an online vote on the coalition agreement with CDU/CSU, with results expected on April 30, requiring at least 20% turnout and majority approval.
• The CSU has already approved the coalition pact, while the CDU is set to vote on it at a small party conference on April 28.
• A debate intensifies over granting the AfD, now the Bundestag's second-largest faction, proportional committee chairs, including the influential Budget Committee.
• Jens Spahn and other CDU/CSU figures advocate treating the AfD like other opposition parties to avoid reinforcing its 'victim status,' sparking backlash from SPD leaders.
• The Federal Constitutional Court previously ruled that committee chair positions require parliamentary majority approval, leaving the decision to individual MPs.