Merz, Söder Welcome SPD’s Coalition Agreement Approval
- Berlin (AP) — Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has endorsed the coalition agreement, paving the way for a new government.
- markus Söder, head of the Christian Social Union (CSU), hailed the SPD vote.
- SPD General Secretary Kevin Miersch views the approval as strong support for the party's participation in the upcoming government.
German SPD Backs coalition, New Government Formation Advances
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Berlin (AP) — Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has endorsed the coalition agreement, paving the way for a new government. The vote concludes weeks of negotiations and internal deliberations.
markus Söder, head of the Christian Social Union (CSU), hailed the SPD vote. Söder stated on X, formerly Twitter, that Germany needs a “real change of direction,” citing the need for lower energy costs, reduced bureaucracy, increased border controls, and an end to voluntary entrance programs.
SPD Celebrates “trust in Times of Great Uncertainty”
SPD General Secretary Kevin Miersch views the approval as strong support for the party’s participation in the upcoming government. The SPD board expressed gratitude for what it called “trust in times of great uncertainty,” vowing to work toward stability and social justice, according to a party statement.
The SPD announced in Berlin that almost 85% of its roughly 358,000 members voted in favor of the coalition agreement in an online survey. Voter turnout was 56%, with the survey concluding at midnight.
the SPD is expected to announce its cabinet nominations no later than next Monday. Miersch indicated that Lars Klingbeil, the Federal Chairman, is widely expected to be named finance minister and vice chancellor.
greens Seek Clarity from Incoming Government
Britta Dröge, parliamentary leader of the Green party, acknowledged the agreement but cautioned that consensus on the agreement’s core tenets remains elusive. Speaking in Berlin, Dröge noted that the interpretation of the contract’s language is already under dispute. She called on the future government to provide clarity on its governing approach.
Chancellor Election Set for Tuesday
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and CSU previously approved the coalition agreement and have already designated their cabinet ministers for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government. The formal signing of the coalition agreement is scheduled for Monday, with the election of the chancellor to follow on Tuesday. The new government is expected to be sworn in shortly thereafter.
This report originated from a Germany radio broadcast on April 30, 2025.
German SPD Backs Coalition, new Government Formation: Your Questions Answered
Are you curious about the latest developments in German politics? Here’s a breakdown of the key events surrounding the formation of a new government, based on the recent SPD vote.
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