German CDU and SPD agree on a framework agreement for coalition talks

The German parties, the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party of Germany, have agreed on a framework document for further coalition talks.

According to Spiegel, on March 8, less than two weeks after the early federal elections, the CDU-CSU and SPD announced an agreed document that lays the groundwork for further negotiations on forming a new government.

The 11-page document summarized their intentions in key policy areas, sometimes with specific goals and measures.

In particular, it includes several elements from the election plan of CDU leader Friedrich Merz and the agreement announced earlier this week between the CDU-CSU and SPD on a large funding package for defense and infrastructure and an exception to the debt brake for defense spending.

One of the primary concerns for a potential government is the issue of defense capability. In this part of the document, there are phrases that “defending our freedom is a necessary task” and that Germany will continue to provide military support to Ukraine.

The funds from the special fund for the Bundeswehr, approved by the previous government, are planned to be spent quickly, and in the first six months of the government’s work, a project to “accelerate planning and procurement” for the Bundeswehr, with a list of weapons to be purchased as a priority, will be introduced.

In the social issues block, there is an idea that people of retirement age who continue to work could earn up to €2,000 monthly without taxation.

The document will form the basis for more detailed negotiations on all policy areas, which are likely to begin next week.

The current German government was headed by the Social Democrats, but the new government will be formed by the Christian Democrats after they win the elections in February. Friedrich Merz is expected to become the new chancellor.

The German far-right AfD is already trying to block special sessions of the Bundestag on a large-scale defense spending plan. After winning a record 20% in the vote, AfD, considered a pro-Kremlin party, has a significant presence in the parliament but nearly no influence on decision-making.