Germany is preparing for a new government under chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz. After winning the February 23 elections, his conservative CDU/CSU alliance struck a deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). The two sides unveiled a 144-page coalition agreement, promising tax cuts and a tougher stance on migration. Merz said the new government would “move our country forward again” and claimed that Germany is “back on track.”
Voter turnout surged to 82.5%, the highest in a national election since 1990. The centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the CSU, led with 28.6% of the vote, while the AfD came in second with 20.8%, more than doubling its previous share. The SPD came third with 16.4%. Together with its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, the conservative bloc will now control nine ministries, including the powerful chancellery.
While the new cabinet is not yet finalized, several top names are being discussed for key posts. Most of the top portfolios are expected to go to men, including the important defense ministry.
Key Names in the Running
Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of the SPD, is expected to become both Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister. At 47, he is considered a rising figure within the SPD and could be a future chancellor candidate.
Johann Wadephul, deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, is one of the front-runners for Foreign Minister. He is known for supporting Ukraine’s right to strike inside Russia using Western weapons. Another possible candidate is Armin Laschet, former CDU leader and chancellor candidate in the 2021 elections.
The Interior Ministry is expected to go to the CSU. The top name in the mix is Alexander Dobrindt, leader of the CSU state group in Berlin. However, it is unclear if he wants the role.
The Defense Ministry may remain with the SPD’s Boris Pistorius. He is widely respected and has performed strongly during his term. If Klingbeil does not take up that role, Pistorius is even considered a deputy to Merz.
Women in the Cabinet
Few women are in the running for top jobs, but some may stay or enter the cabinet. Svenja Schulze could remain Minister for Development, and Klara Geywitz may continue as Minister for Construction.
Sonja Eichwede is being discussed for Justice Minister. Current Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has also been considered for the post. It is unclear if SPD co-leader Saskia Esken will hold any ministerial position.
Bärbel Bas, current Bundestag President, could get a cabinet role or become party or parliamentary group leader. She is also a possible candidate to replace Hubertus Heil as Labor Minister.
From the CDU side, Karin Prien, education minister in Schleswig-Holstein, could move to the national level in the same role.
Ministry Distribution
The CDU is set to get six ministries: Economic Affairs and Energy, Foreign Affairs, Family, Health, Transport, and Digitalization. The SPD will get seven ministries: Defense, Justice and Consumer Protection, Labor and Social Affairs, Environment and Climate, Development Aid, Housing, and Construction.
The CSU will control three ministries: Interior, Agriculture, and the new Research, Technology, and Space Ministry.
Criticism from Other Parties
The coalition deal has faced strong criticism. Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), accused the CDU/CSU of betraying voters. She said the coalition document “bears the hallmarks of the election loser, the SPD” and claimed the CDU/CSU had “ripped off and lied to the citizens.”
The Left Party said the agreement takes Germany “in the completely wrong direction.” The Green Party called it a “great disappointment,” especially given global challenges.
Despite the backlash, Merz remains confident. He insists the new coalition will bring stability and progress. Germany now waits for the official announcement of the full cabinet and the start of a new political chapter.
