Germany is set for a major political shift as the center-right CDU/CSU bloc and the center-left SPD have officially signed a coalition agreement, paving the way for a new federal government. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with a joint press conference scheduled in Berlin at 3:00 p.m., according to AP and TASR.
The coalition deal follows early elections held on February 23, in which the CDU/CSU emerged victorious with 28.5% of the vote. The SPD suffered its worst post-war performance, dropping to third place with 16.4%, behind the far-right AfD, which nearly doubled its support to 20.8%. Despite the AfD’s gains, mainstream parties have refused to cooperate with it, citing democratic and constitutional concerns.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU and the likely next Chancellor of Germany, has expressed his intention to form the new government before Easter, with a potential parliamentary confirmation by early May. Merz is expected to appear at the press conference alongside SPD co-chair Lars Klingbeil and Bavarian Premier Markus Söder, head of the CSU.
The formation of the new coalition comes at a time of economic uncertainty in Europe, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 20% import tariff on EU goods, which could significantly impact Germany’s export-driven economy, as reported by Politico.
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