Germany Moves Toward Potential CDU-SPD Coalition Government

Union and SPD begin negotiations for a new coalition, focusing on military funding, economic reforms, and addressing voter concerns.

Initial talks between CDU, CSU, and SPD have started, with a goal of forming a government by Easter after the Bundestagswahl 2025.
Key discussions include creating two special funds worth hundreds of billions of euros for defense and infrastructure, with proposals to implement these measures before the new Bundestag convenes.
Public opinion supports a CDU-SPD coalition, with 52% of Germans favoring the partnership and 44% believing it could outperform the previous government.
Challenges include internal SPD resistance to CDU leader Friedrich Merz as chancellor and the need for a two-thirds majority to pass certain financial measures.
In Hamburg's Bürgerschaftswahl, SPD's Peter Tschentscher is expected to retain leadership, with increased voter turnout compared to 2020.