Germany’s Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have reached a provisional coalition agreement following weeks of negotiations.
According to sources cited by German broadcaster n-tv, the agreement was concluded during talks held on the evening of Tuesday, 8 April.
The two parties are expected to publicly announce the results of the coalition negotiations at midday on Wednesday, 9 April. The arrangement marks a significant step in forming a new federal government, following the departure of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet last month.
Negotiators from both sides are now focused on resolving remaining technical and procedural matters before finalising the full text of the coalition pact. The parties are understood to have achieved what has been described as a “basic agreement”, with only minor details left to be settled.
The reported breakthrough would allow CDU leader Friedrich Merz to remain on schedule with his previously stated aim of concluding coalition talks before Easter. Should the timetable hold, Merz would likely be elected Chancellor in a Bundestag vote currently pencilled in for 6 May.
On 25 March, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally accepted the resignation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the 14 ministers comprising his government. Under Germany’s constitutional provisions, Scholz continues to act in a caretaker capacity until a new Chancellor and cabinet are officially appointed.
The new coalition, bringing together Germany’s two largest political blocs, represents a notable shift in the country’s political landscape. The SPD, which previously led a tripartite coalition with the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), now returns to a power-sharing arrangement with the conservative CDU/CSU grouping.
The agreement, once finalised and endorsed by the respective party committees, would pave the way for the formation of a new federal cabinet and the start of a new legislative period. Details of ministerial allocations and policy priorities are expected to be disclosed at the press conference on 9 April.
This development follows the collapse of Scholz’s governing coalition, which had faced increasing pressure over economic and energy policy, as well as public dissatisfaction with its handling of domestic and European affairs. The SPD’s return to a partnership with the CDU/CSU may signal a move towards greater policy continuity in certain areas, while also reshaping the parliamentary dynamics ahead of the next federal election cycle.
Further updates are expected on Wednesday, when the coalition agreement is due to be presented.
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