German Conservatives Forge Urgent Coalition with Social Democrats Amid Rising Far-Right Threat
In a move to stabilize Germany's political landscape and stimulate economic growth, the conservative CDU/CSU alliance led by Friedrich Merz has reached a coalition agreement with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD). This decision comes at a critical juncture when the German economy, the largest in Europe, faces threats from a global trade war and increasing far-right political support.
Merz, having secured a victory in the February elections, aims to assume control of the country's economic direction swiftly, particularly as the EU navigates significant changes in transatlantic security relationships and faces mounting pressures from U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump. The urgency of these coalition talks is underscored by the alarming rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is reportedly either neck-and-neck with the CDU/CSU or potentially leading in voter support.
Political analyst Wolfgang Schroeder from Kassel University highlights the extraordinary external pressures driving this rapid coalition formation. "The pressure is coming from Trump, the pressure is coming from the AfD, and the pressure is coming from Merz's own ranks," Schroeder explained during an interview.
These coalition talks have taken place against the backdrop of significant political upheaval in Germany, including the collapse of the previous three-way coalition led by Olaf Scholz on November 6, the same day Trump was re-elected. Merz's conservative alliance, funded by a substantial approval of new spending measures from the outgoing parliament, is set to embark on a series of reforms aimed at bolstering the economy and addressing immigration concerns.
However, Merz's plans have drawn criticism for appearing to compromise on his campaign promises, particularly from the AfD, which secured over 20% of the vote in the recent elections. Recent polls suggest support for the AfD has surged even higher, placing them as the most popular party in Germany at 25%, while the CDU/CSU trails with 24%.
Renate Koecher, director of the Allensbach Institute, pointed out that the AfD's rise is closely linked to a perceived power vacuum in German politics during a time of crises, domestically and globally. "We have no government capable of acting," Koecher remarked, emphasizing the urgency of establishing a functioning government to respond to pressing economic challenges and decisions emanating from the United States.
The coalition contract, expected to outline government policies for the next four years, will see the conservatives taking the reins of key ministries connected to foreign policy and economic strategy, while the SPD will oversee finance and defense matters, with Boris Pistorius remaining in his role as Defense Minister. While the SPD will seek approval from its members for the coalition deal, the CDU will only require consent from its senior officials.
As Germany looks towards late April or early May for the installation of Merz as chancellor, the nation watches closely, hopeful for a revitalization of leadership that can effectively address both internal and external pressures.
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