The winners of the German elections, the conservatives led by Friedrich Merz, have completed preliminary talks with the Social Democrats (SPD) to form a coalition government, promising to take a tougher stance on illegal immigration, support the industry, and boost the economy.
Incoming Chancellor Merz wants to form the coalition by Easter, which falls on April 20 this year. He warned that “it is five minutes to midnight” for Europe to confront a hostile Russia, with the U.S. under President Donald Trump no longer seen as a reliable ally.
Both parties were racing to reach an agreement before next week, when they hope to revive growth in Europe’s largest economy and increase military spending.
“There is great urgency, especially concerning the Bundeswehr’s (military) budget,” Merz said.
In Germany, where coalitions are the norm, governments are typically formed in two stages, with parties first holding exploratory talks, followed by formal coalition negotiations.
Merz’s conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the SPD have held discussions on issues such as immigration and welfare payments, having come together after a sharp electoral campaign, Reuters reports.
