Overview
- The SPD membership vote concluded with 84.6% approval on a 56% turnout, finalizing the coalition agreement with the CDU/CSU.
- Friedrich Merz is set to be elected as Germany's chancellor on May 6, marking the end of months of political negotiations.
- The SPD secured the finance ministry and six other cabinet posts, with co-chair Lars Klingbeil expected to serve as finance minister and vice chancellor.
- The coalition's policy agenda includes a €15 minimum wage, pension guarantees, rent caps, infrastructure investment, and tougher migration measures.
- Both SPD and CDU/CSU reaffirmed their refusal to collaborate with the far-right AfD, which finished second in February's election with 20.8% of the vote.