Ashraf AboArafe
Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, has approved a coalition agreement with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), bringing Merz closer to becoming the country’s next chancellor following February’s snap election.
The agreement, already backed by the CDU’s Bavarian sister party (CSU), aims to revitalize the economy, modernize infrastructure, increase defense spending, and tighten migration policy. However, internal resistance remains within the SPD, particularly from its youth wing, after the party’s poor electoral performance.
If approved by SPD members, the Bundestag will convene on May 6 to vote on Merz’s appointment. His coalition holds a slim majority with 328 out of 630 seats.
Merz has unveiled his proposed cabinet, with CDU nominees including:
* **Thorsten Frei** (Chancellery)
* **Dr. Johann Wadephul** (Foreign Affairs)
* **Katherina Reiche** (Economy and Energy)
* **Patrick Schnieder** (Transport)
* **Karin Prien** (Education and Family)
* **Dr. Karsten Wildberger** (Digitalisation and State Reform)
* **Nina Warken** (Health)
The CSU will hold three ministries:
* **Alexander Dobrindt** (Interior and Sport)
* **Dorothee Bär** (Research, Technology, and Space)
* **Alois Rainer** (Food, Agriculture, and Home Affairs)
Final SPD approval is expected by Wednesday.
