Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has approved a coalition agreement with the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), securing the final step needed to form a new government under Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz.
According to public broadcaster ARD, 84.6% of SPD members voted in favor of the deal during an internal online ballot that concluded late Wednesday. The vote saw a 56% participation rate, surpassing the required 20% threshold and making the outcome binding.
SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch is expected to announce the official results at a press conference later today.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) ratified the coalition agreement earlier this week at a special party congress in Berlin, while its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), gave its approval earlier this month.
With the SPD's backing now confirmed, leaders from both parties are set to formally sign the coalition agreement next Monday. Germany’s Bundestag will then meet on May 6 to elect Merz as chancellor, officially ending Olaf Scholz’s term.
In February’s snap elections, the CDU/CSU alliance secured 28.5% of the vote—falling short of a majority—while the SPD recorded its lowest result ever at 16.4%. Nonetheless, the two parties together command 328 seats in parliament, well above the 316-seat threshold required to govern.
The new coalition is expected to focus on issues including economic competitiveness, defense, and immigration reform, as Merz prepares to lead a centrist-right government following years of Social Democratic leadership.
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As of May 19, 2025, Romania's interim President Ilie Bolojan has authorized the military to shoot down unauthorized drones entering the country's airspace.
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As of May 19, 2025, Romania's interim President Ilie Bolojan has authorized the military to shoot down unauthorized drones entering the country's airspace.
The UK and the European Union have reached their most significant post-Brexit agreement yet, resetting trade and defence ties amid rising global instability and U.S. President Donald Trump’s disruption of the global order.
Azerbaijani presidential climate envoy Mukhtar Babayev is set to participate in the Astana International Forum 2025, focusing on global challenges and future cooperation.
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, covering trade, investment, culture, and global challenges. Both sides signed a Cooperation Program for 2025-2026 to deepen their partnership.
As of May 19, 2025, Romania's interim President Ilie Bolojan has authorized the military to shoot down unauthorized drones entering the country's airspace.
The UK and the European Union have reached their most significant post-Brexit agreement yet, resetting trade and defence ties amid rising global instability and U.S. President Donald Trump’s disruption of the global order.
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 20th May. The upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
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