Merz Pushes for New Name as CDU/CSU-SPD Coalition Talks Continue

Friedrich Merz rejects 'GroKo' label for the historically weak coalition, with unresolved issues in migration, taxes, and finances still under negotiation.

Friedrich Merz, the likely future Chancellor, has proposed alternative names such as 'black-red working coalition' and 'coalition of renewal and progress' to replace the term 'GroKo'.
The planned CDU/CSU-SPD coalition would represent only 45-46% of the vote, the lowest share for such a coalition in German history.
Coalition negotiations remain unresolved in key areas, including migration, taxes, and finances, with working group results due by 17:00 on March 24, 2025.
The term 'GroKo', popularized during Angela Merkel's third term, has drawn criticism from Merz for no longer reflecting the coalition's reduced parliamentary majority.
Opposition parties have mocked the coalition, suggesting names like 'KleiKo' (small coalition) and 'SchuKo' (debt coalition), highlighting political tensions.