German coalition talks reach crucial next level

Union and SPD continue to negotiate a coalition today. What consequences would a failure of the talks have? Would there still be a chancellor's election? And what role does the Federal President play?

In an atmosphere of optimism, Christian Democrats and German Social Democrats faced this Friday the second and decisive phase of negotiations to form a coalition of government. It is a strange negotiation, without dramas or suspense, except for the definitive date on which Friedrich Merz can be invested as chancellor. Even if there are points of friction, such as immigration policy or taxation, it is beyond doubt that there will be an agreement.…

German coalition talks reach crucial next level

The coalition parties most likely to form the new German government have intensified talks.

According to the Union and SPD, rejections on the German borders should take place "in coordination with the European neighbours. Merz is already exchanging views with some top politicians on the issue.

Migration and cuts among Merz's priorities for German coalition talks

BERLIN - Germany's would-be Chancellor Friedrich Merz identified on Friday migration, economic competitiveness and spending cuts as major areas needing agreement with intended coalition partners to form a government.

A social democrat is considered to be set, and for other ministers it becomes tight: while the coalition negotiations go into the decisive phase, the parties speculate about personnel.