Merz set to assume Chancellorship on May 6th
Germany's New Chancellor Friedrich Merz Steps Closer to Power
Friedrich Merz, the head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to be elected as Chancellor of Germany on May 6, following his election earlier in 2025. The CDU, along with its Bavarian sister party CSU and the social democratic SPD, are currently finalising the coalition agreement, which is due for decision on April 28.
If approved, Merz's government will mark a decisive political shift towards enhanced defense spending, economic modernization, and digital resilience. The new administration has already established a €500 billion special fund to support broad modernization efforts, with a particular focus on defense capabilities. Merz has announced plans to build up the Bundeswehr significantly, backed by a €100 billion special defense fund and efforts to raise military spending to 5% of GDP.
The government sees international alliances and advanced technology acquisition as central to its defense strategy. Merz's administration has expressed interest in the Typhon weapons system, among others. In addition, the administration emphasizes digital resilience and interoperability with a strong focus on European digital sovereignty and defense-grade cyber capabilities.
The CDU-led government, formed after the 2025 election, has successor policy lines emphasizing tighter migration controls and skilled labor immigration reforms. However, details of coalition partners are less specified in the available sources.
The process of electing Merz as Chancellor will take place in the German Parliament, the Bundestag, on May 6. If approved, Merz's cabinet is likely to be sworn in on the same day. The President of the German Parliament, Julia Klöckner, is preparing for this historic event.
The approval of the coalition agreement requires the participation of at least 20% of the members in a purely digital vote. As of now, the CSU board has already approved the coalition agreement. SPD members will vote on the agreement from April 26 to April 29.
Meanwhile, a helicopter tour operator has suspended its operations following a fatal crash, although this event does not seem to be directly related to the political transition.
It is worth noting that the federal government could start its work exactly six months after the breakdown of the traffic light coalition under SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz on November 6, 2023. Tens of thousands of people have already paid the Venice fee, although the context of this statement is not provided in the given information.
In conclusion, the impending election of Friedrich Merz as Chancellor signifies a significant shift in Germany's political landscape, with a focus on modernization, defense, and digital resilience. The approval of the coalition agreement on April 28 will set the stage for these ambitious policy changes.
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