CDU/CSU and SPD join hands, Germany "eagerly" awaits new coalition government

The Christian Democratic Union/Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Germany have completed preliminary talks on forming a coalition government .

This information was announced by Mr. Friedrich Merz, candidate for German Chancellor of the CDU/CSU, at a press conference on March 8. (Source: Spiegel)

According to the usual German procedure, the formation of a government takes place in two stages: exploratory negotiations and formal coalition negotiations. After winning the German parliamentary election on February 23, Mr. Merz's CDU/CSU bloc quickly entered into negotiations with the SPD.

The two parties aim to reach a final deal before Easter, focusing on key issues such as easing the national debt limit, boosting economic growth and increasing defense spending.

During the discussions, the two sides touched on the issue of military aid to Ukraine, in particular the provision of long-range Taurus missiles. This issue is currently controversial, with outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz opposing it, while Mr Merz supports it conditionally.

Earlier, Mr. Merz issued a serious warning about the security situation in Europe, emphasizing the need to strengthen its defense capabilities, as the US under Donald Trump may no longer be a reliable ally as before.

Domestically, Mr. Merz pledged to tighten control over illegal immigration through strong measures such as strengthening border controls and denying entry at the border. On the economic front, the new government aims for 1-2% growth and will take measures to reduce energy costs to support the business sector.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hai-da-ng-cducsu-va-spd-bat-tay-duc-nong-lo-ng-cho-chinh-phu-lien-minh-moi-306872.html