Here's the Skinny on the CDU Coalition Agreement and Minister Appointments
Conservative party (CDU) finalizes coalition agreement - Merz and Söder unveil appointed ministers - Coalition deal finalized by CDU ministers - Government officials confirm agreement details
As things stand, Munich hosts a meeting of the CSU board in the morning, with party leader Markus Söder set to break the news on his party's cabinet members at noon (12:00 PM). On the other hand, the SPD won't unveil their ministers until after the April 29th vote on the coalition agreement, with an announcement expected by May 5th. Once that's out of the way, Friedrich Merz will strut his stuff as the new chancellor in the Bundestag the next day.
Tuning Up the System
The CDU-SPD coalition agreement, signed on April 9, 2025, outlines a variety of objectives for the impending German government. Here are the lowdown:
- Red Tape Reduction: Expect annual sweeps to ease up business regulations for a smoother operation and innovation-friendly landscape[1].
- Laws With a Twist of Lemon: Amendments to existing laws will introduce experimental clauses, paving the way for innovation and live experimentation zones[1].
- Future Pact: A pact between the federal, state, and local governments will reevaluate responsibilities and costs, placing emphasis on digital advancements[1].
- Scrumptious Economic Policies: The government's pledge includes beefing up the social market economy, fostering social harmony, and injecting funds for infrastructure improvements. Bureaucratic roadblocks will be tackled through simplified public procurement and planning laws[4].
- Flexible Labor Laws: The government aims to give employees more freedom in their work schedules, focusing on maintaining weekly limits over daily caps. Overtime pay will be tax-free, and incentives will be in place to conquer labor shortages[4].
- Export Fever: The EU-only principle will shape trade agreements, steering clear of trade squabbles with the USA while aiming for a mid-term free trade agreement[4].
The Players
- Friedrich Merz: As the CDU's chancellery aspirant, Merz helmed the CDU/CSU coalition negotiations with the SPD. His mission was to create a government by Easter, remaining acutely aware of the geopolitical challenges at hand[2].
- Markus Söder: As the head honcho of the CSU (Christian Social Union), Markus Söder is a big cheese in German politics. However, the coalition negotiations didn't put him in the limelight like Merz. That said, as the CSU leader, Söder will carry significant influence over Bavarian politics and help shape broader coalition decisions[1].
The Thumbs-Up
The CDU officially endorsed the coalition agreement with the SPD on April 29, 2025, with the CSU giving its consent earlier. The SPD's approval is still pending, but the election of the Federal Chancellor is slated for early May[3][1].
- The CDU-SPD coalition agreement, signed on April 9, 2025, includes a commitment to reduce red tape annually, establishing a smoother business environment and an innovation-friendly landscape.
- Under the coalition agreement, amendments to existing laws will be made to introduce experimental clauses, fostering innovation and live experimentation zones.
- The Future Pact, outlined in the agreement, aims to reevaluate responsibilities and costs between federal, state, and local governments, with a focus on digital advancements.
- Friedrich Merz, who helmed the CDU/CSU coalition negotiations with the SPD, will become the new chancellor in the Bundestag, following the SPD's approval of the coalition agreement and the election process.
