With optimism to the "thick chunks" in the coalition negotiations

CDU/CSU and SPD are entering the decisive phase of their coalition negotiations. CDU leader Merz spoke of "great confidence", but there are "some more chunks". CDU politician Catarina dos Santos-Wintz pleads for extensive state reforms.

From now on, the party leaders of the Union and the SPD themselves are negotiating the treaty for the common alliance. Confidence is the motto of the hour - even if everyone is aware that a coalition agreement is not a wish concert. By Ruth Kirchner.

Almost five weeks after the German Bundestag election, the coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD are entering the decisive phase. After preparatory consultations at specialist level, the four party leaders have been on the move since Friday. Together with 19 negotiators, they are now to solve the difficult issues. At the same time, it is speculated what the ministries look like and who could lead them.

"We are now facing intensive discussions of a coalition agreement," announces CDU CEO Friedrich Merz at the start of the next phase of the negotiations in a press statement with Markus Söder as well as Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken in front of the Willy Brandt House. Optimism and confidence The coalition negotiations are on a good track. The working groups have completed their work. The negotiators are working hard on the best solutions for Ge…

Now the bosses are on the move again in the coalition negotiations. After 256 experts in 16 working groups have searched for compromises, they now have to clarify the outstanding issues.