Krach in the CDU: Merz under pressure before decisive coalition talks!

Krach in the CDU: Merz under pressure before decisive coalition talks!

In the middle of intensive coalition negotiations between the CDU and the SPD, the internal mood in the Union is tense. Michael Kretschmer, Saxon Prime Minister and CDU politician, said that many party members want to end the negotiations quickly, but also expect good solutions. At the same time, he emphasizes the need to dedicate the necessary time and intensity to the conversations. In view of the pressure under which the party is, the displeasure at the base can be clearly felt. A CDU politician reported on daily negative comments as long as the conversations are not completed. Kretschmer and CDU boss Friedrich Merz are demanding significantly harder negotiations in the areas of migration, economy and social policy. The originally desired date for the chancellor's election on April 23 is no longer the subject of the Union, which underlines the uncertainty for the party affiliated.

The resignation of the CDU city association Kühlungsborn in Mecklenburg is perceived as a further sign of the trouble. Georg Günther, the new CDU member of the Bundestag, confirmed that a noticeable change in migration policy is expected by the members. According to a current Forsa survey, consent to the Union is only 25 percent, only one percentage point before the AfD. In this tense mixture, the Union is dependent on the SPD as the only potential coalition partner, which also complicates the situation.

topics of negotiations

The coalition talks have now entered a decisive phase; However, numerous questions of content remain open. According to the SPD-Co-boss Lars Klingbeil, there is a need to create solid financial framework conditions for all projects of a possible black and red government. The SPD considers the Union's savings assumptions to be excessive, and CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt calls for a slim coalition agreement that focuses on the big problems.

The schedule has changed. Merz originally planned to form a new government by Easter, but current assessments point out that the negotiations could possibly continue until the coming week, with a probable conclusion by Easter at the latest. After the conclusion of the contract, party votes are required, which could shift the temporal perspective of the chancellor's election to the first week of May.

core conflicts of negotiations

The central argument is about financial issues, in particular with regard to the Federal Budget 2025. There are already billion dollars, despite new scope for defense. Future billions of billions, for example for the expansion of the mother's pension or the relief for electricity prices, are also to be tested. The gap between the positions of the Union and the SPD is deep, especially with regard to taxes. While the Union wishes to reduce corporation tax from 2026, the SPD does not plan a slight lowering until 2029. There is also a dispute over the top tax rate, whereby the SPD is aiming for an increase from 42 to 47 percent, while the Union reacts negative

In migration policy, agreement and consensus are also difficult to achieve. The Union demands a rejection of asylum seekers at the limits, while the SPD only tolerates such a measure in coordination with European neighbors. Furthermore, securing the pension level is controversial. The SPD intends to keep it to 48 percent, while the Union wants to start the contribution years to 47.

The negotiation group, known as the 19-group group, including relevant party chairman and country representative, tries to bring the results of the proposals previously developed in 16 working groups. Nevertheless, Merz criticized some of these proposals as unrealistic and demands their reduction. The progress of the talks is critically accompanied by the media, since it appears that the Union and the SPD will lose themselves in supposed little things instead of defining clear lines for cooperation.

In the coming week there will be another meeting of the leaders from the CDU, CSU and SPD in the CDU headquarters. In view of the necessary mobilization of all forces, an agreement in the face of the growing challenges could prove to be decisive for the future of German politics.