Two months after the break-up of the SPD‑BSW coalition, the SPD and CDU in Brandenburg have formally sealed their new alliance. Premier Dietmar Woidke, the SPD’s state chairman, and CDU state chairman Jan Redmann signed the coalition agreement on Monday in the state parliament in Potsdam.
At a state party conference on Saturday, the SPD approved the agreement with a clear majority in an open vote. CDU members had earlier expressed firm support in a poll.
Woidke’s new red‑black cabinet, which will be sworn in this Wednesday, will see former BSW minister Robert Crumbach-who has since joined the SPD-take on the role of Minister for Infrastructure and State Planning. The incumbent interior minister, René Wilke (SPD), will receive a “super‑ministry” and oversee labor, social affairs, health, and social cohesion. Daniel Keller, the current Economy Minister, will be appointed Finance Minister.
Four SPD ministers will stay in their posts: State Chancellery Minister Kathrin Schneider, Justice and Digitalisation Minister Benjamin Grimm, Science, Research and Culture Minister Manja Schüle, and Agriculture, Environment and Consumer Protection Minister Hanka Mittelstädt.
On the CDU side, Jan Redmann will step in as Interior Minister, bringing CSU politician Martina Klement into the cabinet as the new Minister for Economy, Energy, Climate Protection and Europe. CDU General Secretary Gordon Hoffmann will take charge of the Education portfolio, while state parliament member Julian Brüning will temporarily assume his previous duties.