Incoming German chancellor Merz vows reforms and investments as parties sign coalition agreement

The new ministers are appointed, the coalition contract, sign: the way is clear for Friedrich Merz to the chancellery for which the economy and defence will be part of the main projects.

The leaders of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) signed a coalition agreement today that opens the door to a new "black and red government", reports the German agency dpa.

The leaders of the CDU/CSU and SPD have officially signed the coalition agreement. The parties concluded the agreement almost a month ago, but it was still waiting for approval from the SPD members and the CDU leadership. That came last week. At the signing, CDU leader Friedrich Merz promised that his government would start work "with purpose and energy" from day one. The coalition has set itself the task of getting the German economy growing ag…

Listen on Spotify Apple Music Amazon Music Friedrich Merz, Lars Klingbeil, Saskia Esken, and Markus Söder sign the coalition agreement—a moment of symbolism, remarkable expression, and a political new beginning. Together with Rasmus Buchsteiner, Gordon Repinski analyzes how Merz and Klingbeil publicly demonstrate unity and how the SPD is focusing on rejuvenation and gender balance. Also featured: parliamentary group restructuring, internal pa…

Merz vows to reform Germany as his full cabinet unveiled

German conservative Friedrich Merz vowed on Monday to move swiftly to reform Europe's largest economy, a day before he is due to be sworn into office as chancellor and head of a coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

Video. Germany’s Union bloc and Social Democrats sign coalition deal

Video. Germany’s centre-right CDU and centre-left SPD have formally signed a coalition agreement, clearing the way for Friedrich Merz to become the country’s next chancellor.