Germany’s election winner Friedrich Merz and the SPD have wrapped up preliminary coalition talks, pledging stricter migration controls and economic reforms. Merz aims to finalise the deal by Easter, stressing Europe must strengthen itself amid shifting U.S. policies under Donald Trump.
Friedrich Merz, the incoming German chancellor, is pushing for a coalition agreement with the SPD by April 20. The parties seek to implement stricter migration controls, boost industry, and loosen borrowing limits to stimulate growth in Europe’s largest economy.
Merz has emphasised the urgency of strengthening Germany’s military and economic resilience, citing geopolitical tensions and concerns over a less reliable U.S. under Trump. The CDU/CSU and SPD plan to push key fiscal reforms through parliament next week, including adjustments to Germany’s debt brake and a €500 billion infrastructure fund.
A policy paper released alongside the talks outlined plans for tighter border controls, faster deportations, and reforms to welfare payments. Markus Söder, leader of Bavaria, suggested reducing benefits for those unwilling to work, while SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil stressed the need to balance migration restrictions with success stories.
Economic policies will focus on easing costs for businesses, supporting e-mobility, and preventing penalties for automakers exceeding CO2 limits. The coalition will also negotiate with the Greens, whose support is crucial for passing financial reforms. However, Green leaders warned that major disagreements remain, particularly over funding election promises.
Key votes in parliament are set for March 18 and March 25, where opposition from far-right and radical left lawmakers could complicate Merz’s plans.
Read next
01:00
The three major Wall Street indexes surged sharply after the announcement of a 90-day tariff reduction agreement between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 reached its highest levels since early March, boosting investor optimism.
00:38
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, has accused Western countries of demanding a 30-day ceasefire to give Ukraine’s military a chance to regroup. Zakharova's remarks highlight the growing tension surrounding the ongoing war and the international calls for temporary peace in orde
00:27
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has declared his readiness for direct peace talks with Russia in Turkey, describing Moscow’s lack of response as a “strange silence.” He emphasized the importance of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s support for the initiative.
23:28
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Türkiye is resolutely moving toward the goal of completely eliminating the terror problem from the national agenda, marking a significant milestone on the "Terror-Free Türkiye" path.
23:28
On May 12, the Baku Military Court resumed hearings in the case against Armenian citizens accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 1993 occupation of Kalbajar.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment