Union and SPD reach agreement on key ministerial positions for potential coalition government in Germany. Negotiations have been long and arduous, but the partners have reportedly agreed on the distribution of key ministerial positions, paving the way for the expected grand coalition. The partners have invited CDU leader Friedrich Merz, SPD leader Lars Klingbeil and CSU leader Markus Söder to a joint press conference at 3:00 PM to present the coalition agreement to the press. According to the RND, the CDU will take over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the SPD will take over the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense and the Union will take over the Ministry of Interior. The coalition agreement reportedly includes no tax hikes, but the solidarity surcharge will be maintained. The Körperschaftssteuer will be reduced starting in 2028 and the Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz will be abolished. The coalition partners are also reportedly considering a reform of the Bürgergeld and an end to Turbo-Einbürgerungen. The SPD will hold a digital meeting of the party board and the parliamentary group at 7:30 PM to approve the coalition agreement. If the agreement is approved by the party members, Friedrich Merz will be elected as the Chancellor on May 7th. However, it remains uncertain whether Merz will receive the necessary majority of votes in the first round of voting.
Union and SPD Reach Agreement for ‘Grand Coalition’; Ministry Assignments Still Unconfirmed
