After the CDU’s victory in the Rhineland‑Palatinate state election, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed the joint reform agenda with the SPD in the federal government.
“Let’s treat this election result as a stimulus” he said on Monday, following the CDU’s party meeting in Berlin. “I want the coalition with the SPD to move forward. We know we have to act, and we want to act together”. He added that the government should do more than what the coalition agreement outlines, especially in the areas of growth, competition, and employment.
“We must bring all that forward with the SPD” Merz explained, noting that as the CDU party chair he has a clear opinion, but he intends to discuss and advance it within the coalition. “In the government coalition in Berlin, our priority has to be a policy that serves the working population-both employees and the middle class”.
Over the coming months, he said the focus will be on systematically reducing the burdens on private households and companies across Germany. “I envision a collaborative effort in the coalition, undertaken with courage and confidence for the benefit of our country” he added, expressing a degree of optimism that success is achievable.
Merz acknowledged that the SPD is initially grappling with the election outcome in Mainz, but maintained his conviction that only through joint effort-and a focus on the real problems of the country-will they succeed.