CDU/CSU and SPD finalize coalition deal, clearing path for new German government

Germany's conservative alliance, the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) have reached an agreement on a coalition deal, clearing the way for the formation of a new federal government.

The finalized document is expected to be presented later in the day, setting the stage for swift implementation and the appointment of a new cabinet in the coming weeks, Caliber.Az reports, referring to German media.

The coalition agreement comes after prolonged negotiations between the two parties, which focused on resolving differences over key policy issues. The deal marks a major step toward political stability following the snap parliamentary elections held on February 23.

As part of the agreement, the two sides have divided control over key ministries. The SPD will assume leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Justice. This distribution suggests that Boris Pistorius (SPD) will remain in his post as Defense Minister.

Meanwhile, the CDU/CSU will take charge of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The latter handover marks a historic shift — it will be the first time in nearly six decades that the German foreign ministry is headed by a conservative.

The coalition deal also reflects broader consensus between the parties on important national policies. Even before finalizing the talks, they had agreed to remove restrictions on defense spending, aligning with calls to strengthen Germany’s military posture amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

In the February 23 elections, the CDU/CSU emerged as the leading political force with 28.5% of the vote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made historic gains, securing second place with 20.8%, while the SPD came in third with 16.4%. The Greens and the Left Party followed with 11.6% and 8.8%, respectively.

Despite finishing third, the SPD was selected as a coalition partner by the conservative bloc. The decision reflected a strategic move to form a stable majority government and avoid aligning with the controversial AfD, which has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz, the likely next Chancellor, had previously expressed his intention to assemble a full cabinet before Catholic Easter, which falls on April 20 this year.

By Tamilla Hasanova