A New Chancellor Born of Distrust and Alliances: The German Coalition Takes Shape
Coalition of Skepticism: Black-Red Initially Founded on Distrust (After Friedman) - Alliance of Distrust Forms: Black-Red Partners Unite in Suspicion
German publicist Michel Friedman views the initial setback in Friedrich Merz's (CDU) bid for Chancellor as a symptom of dwindling trust between parties. "Never before in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany has a Chancellor failed to secure a majority in the first round of voting. That's a failure. And the consequences will linger," Friedman told the German Press Agency in Potsdam at an event, emphasizing that this coalition begins amidst a cloud of distrust.
Merz's eventual election as Federal Chancellor transpired in the second round of voting on Tuesday. Green and Left votes played a crucial role in allowing unity between the Union and SPD to attain the required two-thirds majority for the extension of the second round voting, according to Friedman. This schism in democracy showcases its essentiality; without the approval of both opposition parties, the second round of voting would have been delayed until at least Friday.
Friedman asserts that Merz will confront a persistent question as Chancellor: Can I rely on majorities? "I sincerely hope he can, for I hope the same for our country," expressed the publicist. "We need a steadfast government. And in a democracy, a reliable government remains so only if it commands the parliamentary majority."
Friedman, previously a member of the CDU, severed ties with the party following a joint vote on migration policy in the Bundestag in January 2025.
Since the German federal elections in February 2025, the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, have entered into coalition negotiations with the SPD, leading to the signing of a coalition agreement titled "Responsibility for Germany" on April 30, 2025, which was formalized on May 5, 2025. Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, was set to assume the role of Chancellor on May 6, 2025.
The agreement's keystones include economic and social policies aimed at advancing opportunities and prosperity for all, strengthening defense capabilities, adopting a "new, more consistent approach to migration policy," emphasizing compliance in areas like supply chain due diligence, anti-money laundering, and asset forfeiture, and addressing key EU policy areas including the budget, climate action, security, and institutional aspects affecting the EU's future. Nevertheless, the agreement does not commit to new rules on corporate criminal liability or legal requirements for internal investigations.
The coalition composition, rooted in mutual responsibility and cooperation, serves as a critical pillar in overcoming distrust or ideological differences among parties. The government's success will rely on its ability to contend with mounting geopolitical pressures and the need for a unified European response to global issues while simultaneously addressing domestic challenges.
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- Michel Friedman, a former CDU member, believes Merz's election as Chancellor was crucial due to the approval from the Green and Left parties, without which the second round voting might have been delayed.
- The signing of the coalition agreement titled "Responsibility for Germany" between the CDU, CSU, and SPD on April 30, 2025, and its formalization on May 5, 2025, outlines key policy areas such as economic and social development, defense, immigration, supply chain compliance, anti-money laundering, and EU concerns.
- The success of the coalition, rooted in mutual responsibility and cooperation, will be tested by its ability to handle mounting geopolitical pressures, the need for a unified European response to global issues, and addressing domestic challenges, all while maintaining a steady government.
- Friedman's departure from the CDU in January 2025, following a joint vote on migration policy in the Bundestag, showcases his dwindling trust in party policies.
