Germany set for new government as SPD backs deal with conservatives

The majority of members of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) have approved the coalition agreement with the conservative bloc of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), paving the way for the formation of a new German government.

In the vote, which ended on April 29 just before midnight, 84% of the members who took part were in favour of the deal, the party said, adding that 56% of the around 360,000 members took part in the vote, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media sources.

This is more than the 66% in the last membership vote to form a government with the CDU/CSU bloc in 2017.

Voter turnout in the two-week period was 56%, the sources said.

The next coalition aims for example to invest heavily in Germany's infrastructure, raise the minimum wage to 15 euros ($17.01) per hour, keep pensions level at 48% of the current average wage and extend a cap on rents, according to the coalition contract.

There are no longer any obstacles to forming the new cabinet of ministers. Earlier, the agreement had been approved by both the CSU and CDU. The election of Christian Democrat leader Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor will take place in the Bundestag on May 6. On the same day, members of his government will be sworn in.

By Khagan Isayev