Coalition talks begin in Germany: 'The process could become difficult'

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Following the general elections held in Germany, coalition negotiations have officially begun. Leaders of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) met for the first time since the elections. The parties have set out the fundamental conditions for forming a coalition government.

No official statement was made regarding the content of the talks. However, it has been learned that both sides have put forward preconditions for a coalition. If an agreement is reached between the SPD and the CDU/CSU, the number of deputies required to form a new government in Germany will be secured.

WHAT IS THE SPD'S DEMAND?

SPD Chairman Lars Klingbeil emphasized that the political tone must first change during the coalition talks. Klingbeil demanded that the CDU/CSU make changes to its political course. The SPD leader stated that CDU/CSU Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz needs to adopt a more conciliatory attitude.

Klingbeil said, 'The political atmosphere needs to be softened and a more constructive dialogue must be established.' The SPD has put this issue on the table as one of the priority items in the coalition negotiations.

In a statement made after the election, Merz underscored that Germany must become independent of the US in the field of security. This stance by Merz, who is expected to become chancellor soon, could lead to a serious transformation for Germany in the field of foreign policy The Economist

WILL THE ELECTION LAW BE CHANGED?

The CDU/CSU, for its part, argued that the election law needs to be reformed during the coalition talks. The Christian Democrats, who want the current electoral system to be changed, demanded the creation of a fairer representation mechanism.

According to a report by Der Spiegel, party officials emphasized that changes to the election law are important for Germany's political stability. The CDU/CSU wants this issue to be addressed as a priority in the coalition negotiations.

SÖDER'S WARNING ON THE FAR-RIGHT

CSU Chairman and Minister-President of Bavaria Markus Söder made a notable statement during the coalition talks. Söder stated that the strengthening of the far-right must be prevented.

Drawing attention to the critical importance of the coalition process, Söder used the following expressions:

'This is truly the last bullet for democracy'... The CDU/CSU and SPD need to take joint responsibility to prevent the rise of the far-right,' he said.

While the CSU leader predicted that a coalition could be formed between the two parties, he expressed the following:

'Germany needs a stable government, and cooperation between different parties may be inevitable to ensure this.'

WHEN WILL THE PARLIAMENT CONVENE?

In Germany, the new Federal Parliament (Bundestag) will convene by March 25 at the latest. According to the Constitution, the Parliament must hold its first session within 30 days after the elections.

When the Parliament convenes, the term of the current Chancellor and ministers will end. Until a new government is formed, the current chancellor and ministers will continue their duties on an interim basis. This process can be extended at the request of the President or the request of the chancellor.

COALITION PROCESS MAY BE DIFFICULT

The process of forming a government in Germany is expected to accelerate in the coming weeks. If the SPD and CDU/CSU reach an agreement, Germany's new government will have been formed.

According to the Bild newspaper, the fact that the CDU/CSU and SPD are putting forward preconditions indicates that the coalition process will not be easy. Whether the parties can reach a compromise is of great importance for Germany's political future.

The results of the coalition talks will affect both Germany's domestic policy and its role in the European Union. The new government to be formed under Merz's leadership is expected to take a tougher stance on immigrants.