Coalition crisis: Union and SPD are facing decisive negotiations!

In Berlin, the coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD are on the brink. Despite the first exploratory talks that started on March 7, 2025, there are large differences, especially in the field of finance, migration and social policy. However, CDU boss Friedrich Merz is optimistic and urges a quick agreement. "We should quickly enter the coalition talks," he emphasized, referring to the necessity that "we have to make really bigger changes in the next parliamentary term in this country", as the Merkur reported.

The talks are tense because the SPD has clear demands. Union parliamentary group leader Manuel Hagel recalled that a coalition with the SPD cannot come about without a real change of policy in the areas of migration and business. "There is no automatism for a coalition ... without real changes," said Hagel. He also threatened that the financial package already agreed could still be stopped in the Bundestag if the SPD does not cooperate. Merz plans to conclude the coalition negotiations until Easter in order to swear the new government promptly, while the SPD will then comment on a coalition in a vote, such as Oe24 reported.

disputes and negotiation speed

The central topics were already on the agenda of the first exploratory talks, in which nine representatives of the two parties came together. The question of migration policy remains particularly delicate, which still has significant disagreements. The Union is aiming for rejection of asylum seekers at the German borders, which the SPD criticizes as incompatible with EU law. In financial issues, the Union can already report a breakthrough in the relaxation of the debt brake, but the SPD remains persistent on its demands for compromises.

Merkel warns that a repetition of the failed Jamaica alliance in 2017 cannot be ruled out if the parties do not overcome their differences. In the coming weeks it will be shown whether the protests and resistances that accompany the exploratory talks will have an impact on the progress of the negotiations. Merz and Klingbeil agree that fair use of each other is of great importance and are currently trying to create a stable foundation for the new government.