A German Union party official, Johann Wadephul, has stated in an interview with the “Tagesspiegel” that the recent development in the US government’s relationship with Ukraine and the resulting escalation of the security situation in Europe will likely lead to a faster conclusion of coalition talks with the SPD.
According to Wadephul, “Germany now needs more than ever a functioning new government.” He added that the events in the Oval Office are expected to accelerate the party’s sondiering and coalition talks.
Earlier, CDU leader Friedrich Merz had set Easter as the target date for the talks, but has since confirmed that a close alignment between the outgoing government and the designated chancellor has already taken place to coordinate Germany’s stance at a crisis meeting called by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Sunday and an EU special summit on Thursday.
Wadephul mentioned that Friedrich Merz is in contact with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, while he, Wadephul, is in contact with Scholz’s security advisor, Jens Plötner, to coordinate the party’s lines at the meetings in London and Brussels.