Germany's Friedrich Merz Forms Coalition Amidst Trump-Fueled Pressure and Global Uncertainty
BERLIN – In a political landscape shaken by international pressures, Friedrich Merz has successfully forged a coalition between his conservative party and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). This swift agreement comes as Germany faces unprecedented challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies and the looming threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The coalition deal, finalized just 45 days after Merz's conservatives won a snap election, marks a departure from the typically protracted post-election negotiations in Germany. The urgency to form a stable government capable of responding to these global crises has been a driving force behind the expedited timeline.
With the agreement in place, Friedrich Merz is poised to become Germany's next chancellor within weeks, signaling a new chapter for the nation. The coalition emerges at a critical juncture, particularly after Trump's recent tariff announcement that threatens to heavily impact Germany's export-driven economy. Moreover, Merz has pledged to bolster Germany's military strength in response to Putin's assertive stance and the weakening transatlantic alliance.
These dual challenges – economic and security-related – have intensified the need for a robust and unified government. The previous minority government, led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, struggled with internal divisions, ultimately leading to its collapse over disagreements on spending priorities.
Despite securing the coalition, Merz faces internal challenges. His compromise with the SPD and the Greens to allocate substantial funds for defense and infrastructure has sparked discontent within his conservative base. This internal friction has opened the door for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to gain traction as the leading opposition party.
Key sticking points during the coalition negotiations included taxation and migration policies. The SPD advocated for tax hikes on high earners, while the conservatives firmly opposed any new tax increases.
Migration also emerged as a contentious issue, particularly with the AfD's growing influence. Merz's conservatives pushed for stricter border controls and the rejection of asylum-seekers. However, the SPD resisted these measures, emphasizing the importance of EU solidarity in confronting Trump's trade policies.
A formal press conference is scheduled for Wednesday in Berlin, where party leaders will present the coalition agreement. While the SPD members still need to vote on the deal, Merz's conservative bloc does not require a full membership vote for approval.