SPD Approves Coalition Agreement with CDU/CSU, Friedrich Merz Set to Become Chancellor

Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) has overwhelmingly approved a coalition agreement with the CDU/CSU conservatives, removing the final obstacle to forming a new government and paving the way for Friedrich Merz to be elected Chancellor. The agreement, backed by over 84% of participating SPD members, includes key SPD campaign promises such as a €15 minimum wage and tax reductions for low and middle incomes, but also controversial measures tightening migration and social policies. Internal dissent remains, particularly from the SPD's youth wing, the Jusos, who criticized these concessions and called for renegotiations. Despite this, the coalition is seen as the only realistic path to a majority government, with alternatives limited to a CDU/CSU-AfD alliance, a minority government, or new elections. The new administration is expected to focus on economic revitalization and stability amid both domestic challenges and broader European concerns. The SPD will announce its ministerial appointments next Monday, with Boris Pistorius set to remain Minister of Defense and Lars Klingbeil likely to become Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister.