Differentiating Black-Red Signals from Regular Traffic Lights: An Overview of Their Distinctiveness

Tensions are rising between members of the Union and SPD, with some advocating for a separation following just under three months. The Chancellory, however, stresses a positive ledger. Could the alliance be falling apart?

, and ASMedia

2025 August 28 . 4:55 AM

2 min read

Differentiating Black-Red from Traditional Traffic Signals: An Overlook

Differentiating Black-Red Signals from Regular Traffic Lights: An Overview of Their Distinctiveness

In the first 100 days of the Black-Red coalition, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), Germany's political landscape has been marked by a mix of achievements and struggles. For some, these 100 days have felt like three years or even three Traffic Light years, with a sense of tiredness and resentment pervading the Bundestag.

The coalition's performance has been rated poorly according to polls, with only 29% satisfaction, the lowest since the government took office. This discontent stems from internal tensions over migration policy, decisions perceived as undemocratic or unilateral, and economic reform delays.

Migration and asylum policy disputes have been a key source of friction. The coalition's hardline approach, including border rejections and the controversial "five-point plan" on migration, has drawn criticism from within the coalition and society at large. The adoption of this plan, with support from the far-right AfD, has caused widespread protests.

Lack of coordination and unilateral decisions have also undermined trust and cohesion. Chancellor Merz's decision to suspend certain arms exports to Israel without consulting the CSU sister party has caused internal criticism within his own ranks.

Economic policy concerns have further complicated the coalition's efforts. Despite promises of major investments in infrastructure and digitalization, German economists have criticized the slow pace of economic reforms, and public sentiment reflects worries over personal financial situations and general progress.

Political fragmentation and coalition weakness are other significant challenges. Analysts and media have noted that Merz appears as the junior partner in the coalition with diminishing public support. Some question whether a minority government would be better since the current coalition struggles to maintain unity with differing priorities, particularly with AfD-related controversies adding to the instability.

Cultural/political policy disputes have also emerged, such as the controversy over banning gendering in official communications.

However, the coalition has shown relative success in foreign policy, particularly in managing European relations around the Ukraine conflict and redefining arms export policy regarding Israel.

In contrast to the internal struggles, the SPD, Greens, and Left have shown signs of unity in the Bundestag. Yet, great mistrust towards Union faction leader Jens Spahn within the SPD persists. The Union and the SPD face a financial gap of around 172 billion euros in their financial planning for 2027 to 2029.

Two issues hang over the coalition like a cloud of flour: the electricity tax and the failed election of new judges for the Federal Constitutional Court. Both proposals, which go beyond the coalition agreement and have provoked the partner, have been met with strong protest from the Union and the SPD.

SPD Leader Bärbel Bas sees a clear need for further talks with the Union, as she made clear in the ARD "Report from Berlin". The behavior of the coalition partner is a significant issue for the SPD, and trust in Union faction leader Jens Spahn (CDU) is shaken.

Despite these challenges, Chancellor Merz and coalition partner Olaf Scholz, the leader of the SPD, have maintained a stable relationship. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) has proposed extending working hours, while CSU leader Söder has proposed reducing the citizen's allowance for Ukrainian refugees.

As the Black-Red coalition navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen whether they can regain public trust and overcome their internal disagreements.