Overview

• Union and SPD resumed coalition negotiations at 9:30 AM on April 9, targeting an agreement by midday with a press conference expected in the afternoon.
• Key policy disagreements remain on tax reforms, retirement benefits, and energy policy, though significant progress has been reported in other areas.
• Internal dissent within the CDU, including calls for a member vote and frustrations over leadership decisions, adds complexity to the talks.
• International economic challenges, particularly US tariffs, have heightened the urgency for a resolution to stabilize Germany's export-driven economy.
• Following an agreement, the SPD plans a digital member vote within ten days, while the CDU will convene a small party congress to finalize approval.