Coalition crisis in Germany: CDU and SPD in front of a decisive plock!

Coalition crisis in Germany: CDU and SPD in front of a decisive plock!

Berlin, Deutschland - The coalition negotiations between the CDU, CSU and SPD are going into the decisive phase. On Monday evening, the consultations about a new "large" coalition will continue, as [OE24] reports. This decision follows a negotiating round that took place on Saturday in the SPD house. CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt emphasizes that smaller rounds should contribute to problem solving. Although details on the content of the talks have not been published, Dobrindt is optimistic and speaks of progress.

The negotiators of the big parties sat together for almost five hours on Saturday. CDU vice chief Kathrin Prien said positively about the results of the discussions and the need to find a "large line for solutions". In the coalition negotiations, the results of 16 working groups that have been working on the subjects since March 13 are of central importance.

challenges of negotiations

The main negotiating group consists of 19 leading representatives of both sides, including the party chairman Friedrich Merz (CDU), Markus Söder (CSU), Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken (SPD). Merz has high expectations of negotiations and strives for a coalition agreement until Easter. However, he recognizes that these talks need time to achieve high -quality results. According to Merz, a turn in economic and migration policy is urgently necessary.

A central point of dispute is financial policy. The Union wants to relieve better earners for tax purposes, while the SPD pleads to increase the top tax rate. There are also differences in corporate tax: While the Union is aiming for a reduction from 2026, the SPD only plans minimal adjustments from 2029. The coalition negotiations show that differences in tax policy and migration policy remain.

financial restrictions and agreements

The negotiators emphasize that the financial means are limited. Esken explains that many wishes have been expressed, but reality has its limits. Merz warns of the illusion of unlimited expenses through new debts. A debt package of 500 billion euros is currently being discussed for investments in the infrastructure. The negotiators must prove their skills to enforce the announced change of policy.

The negotiations are under high pressure because Merz's credibility in his own party and voters suffered. Until Easter, a good three weeks will remain in which the chief negotiators of the CDU, CSU and SPD are required to reach an agreement. Nevertheless, a swearing in Merz as a chancellor is expected in the beginning of May rather than in the week after Easter, which underlines the urgency of the conversations.

The coalition negotiations are not only shaped by financial issues. In the case of topics such as the pension level, the use of internal combustion engines and the debate about compulsory military service, there are also different opinions between the parties, which also makes an agreement more difficult. The next few days and weeks will be crucial to redesign the political landscape of Germany, such as [Tagesschau] and [ZDF].