The main topics in negotiations for a new government will be foreign policy, migration and economy, according to CDU leader Friedrich Merz. Photo: Martin Meissner/Ritzau Scanpix
Merz seeks coalition with SPD
Friedrich Merz, CDU’s chancellor candidate, intends to form a government with the SPD, stating the partnership is achievable during a press conference. CDU/CSU received 28.6% of votes, making it the largest party in the Bundestag, while SPD had a historic low with 16.4%. Merz, who rejected cooperation with the right-wing AfD, plans to start coalition talks with the SPD in the coming days, prioritizing foreign policy, migration, and economy. He describes the AfD’s electoral success as a final warning to centrist parties. SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil is open to discussions, implying the ball is in Merz’s court for possible coalition formation.