Friedrich Merz to lead Germany as CDU forms coalition with SPD, excluding AfD

A historic coalition deal has been struck in Germany, paving the way for conservative leader Friedrich Merz to become the country’s 10th chancellor since World War II. The agreement sees outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) joining forces with Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Notably, both parties have ruled out forming a government with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), solidifying their commitment to centrist values.

The CDU, along with its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), emerged victorious in Germany’s elections in February, securing 28.6% of the vote, according to Deutsche Welle (DW). In contrast, the AfD garnered 20.8% of the vote, while the SPD received only 16.4%, marking their worst electoral performance since World War II, as reported by the Associated Press (AP).

The coalition agreement was subject to a vote among the SPD’s members, with an impressive 56% turnout. Of those who participated, a resounding 84.6% voted in favor of the deal, demonstrating strong support for the collaboration between the two parties.

Moving forward, the CDU/CSU and SPD plan to focus on key policy initiatives, including investments in infrastructure, raising the minimum wage to $17.01 per hour, and implementing rent caps, as outlined in the coalition contract cited by Reuters. The SPD has secured several significant ministerial positions, including finance, justice, and defense ministries, reflecting their influence within the new government.

SPD leader Lars Klingbeil is set to assume the roles of vice chancellor and finance minister, positioning him to play a crucial role in navigating the economic challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs. In light of these global uncertainties, SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring security, economic growth, job stability, and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Following the SPD’s approval of the coalition agreement, Merz expressed his optimism for the future in a post on social media platform X, translated by Reuters. He highlighted the broad support for the agreement as a testament to the political center’s ability to enact meaningful change and address the country’s pressing issues, setting the stage for a robust and effective government.

In conclusion, the coalition deal in Germany marks a significant step towards stability and progress, with Merz poised to lead the country into a new era of governance. The collaboration between the CDU/CSU and SPD underscores a commitment to centrist values and responsible governance, positioning Germany to address its challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development.