The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which won the elections in Germany, and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) have held their first meeting to discuss the possible formation of a coalition government.
According to Spiegel, the negotiations took place five days after the election results were announced. Representatives of both parties met near the Bundestag to discuss the prospects of forming the so-called “black-red” coalition.
Key political figures participated in the discussions, including CDU leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, CSU leader and Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, and SPD parliamentary group leader Lars Klingbeil.
According to media reports, the talks focused on identifying common ground and resolving differences that had intensified during the election campaign and in the first days following the vote.
Friedrich Merz previously stated that he aims to act without delay and hopes to form a government by Easter. However, SPD representatives have repeatedly emphasized that their participation in the coalition is not yet guaranteed.
Disagreements between the parties concern several key issues, including migration policy, climate change efforts, state debt reform, and electoral law.
