Germany's conservative CDU/CSU alliance seals coalition deal with Social Democrats

BERLIN

German Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) officially signed a coalition deal with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) on Monday, paving the way for a new government after weeks of negotiations.

Conservative leader and Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz said the new coalition government would take on historic responsibility for Germany’s future amid growing challenges in national security and economic stability.

“Tomorrow, our citizens will have a government determined to move Germany forward,” Merz said during the official ceremony in Berlin. “A government that takes people's concerns seriously and aims to build the infrastructure our country needs. A government whose voice will resonate in Europe and across the world,” he said.

SPD co-leader and incoming Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil emphasized that the coalition partners understand their responsibility to Germany and will act decisively to tackle both domestic and international challenges.

“We all grew up with the promise of increasing peace, trade, and prosperity, but this automatic progression no longer holds true today—as evident from the geopolitical upheavals, Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the rise of protectionist trade policies,” Klingbeil said.

“We live in times of upheaval. And these changes require decisions—our world is transforming, and it's now up to us, the new government, to determine whether Germany helps shape this new world order, or whether we simply watch and let others shape our future,” he stressed.

Klingbeil said the coalition partners have set clear priorities to strengthen Germany's defense capabilities, boost investments, modernize the country's infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth to secure jobs and ensure long-term prosperity.

After Monday's signing ceremony, the German parliament will convene Tuesday to elect Merz as the country's new chancellor, replacing Social Democrat Olaf Scholz. The conservative CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD finalized their coalition agreement last month, with party governing bodies and members officially approving the deal last week.

The Christian Democrats won February's snap elections with 28.5% of the vote but fell short of an outright majority. Despite the Social Democrats recording their lowest-ever result at 16.4%, they emerged as a crucial coalition partner. Together, the parties will control 328 seats in parliament, well above the 316-seat threshold required for a governing majority.

Germany's two mainstream parties have faced mounting pressure in recent months due to the surging popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). A new poll released on Monday showed the AfD at 25%—matching the CDU/CSU alliance and leading the Social Democrats by 10 percentage points, with the SPD now at 15%.

The AfD has built its support base through anti-migration campaigns and by stoking fears about Muslims and immigrants. The party has also capitalized on widespread frustration with traditional political parties and concerns about economic decline.