Overview: CDU x SPD Coalition Agreement

The coalitionnegotiations occurred under significant pressure, shaped by a weak economy, geo-economicchallenges, and the rise of political extremes. The resulting 146-pageagreement contains few surprises and is similar in length to the previouscoalition agreement. Initially, the plan was to draft a much shorter and moreflexible version to better respond to unforeseen events.

The CDU will holdseven ministries, including the Ministry of Economic Affairs/Energy and, forthe first time since 1966, the Foreign Office. Despite receiving only around16% of the vote, the SPD will also lead seven ministries, including the Financeand Defense Ministries. The CSU will control three ministries. Contrary toearlier announcements about reducing the number of ministries, theestablishment of an independent Ministry for Digital Affairs will increase thetotal number of ministries compared to the previous legislative period.

While thecoalition agreement outlines the allocation of ministries and responsibilities,individual appointments will be announced after the SPD completes its internalmembership vote. Friedrich Merz is expected to be elected Chancellor by theBundestag on May 6 or 7.

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