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SPD Members Approve Coalition Deal, Securing Path for Friedrich Merz as German Chancellor

The agreement between the SPD and CDU/CSU grants key cabinet roles to the Social Democrats and outlines plans for economic revival, stricter migration rules, and infrastructure investment.

German Labour Minister Hubertus Heil attends a so-called Social Democratic Party (SPD) dialogue conference with the party leadership as part of the SPD members' vote on the coalition agreement between the SPD, CDU and CSU, in Baunatal, Germany, April 26, 2025. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler/File Photo
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FILE - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives for a German government cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Nov. 27, 2024.

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.