Bavarian Minister President Markus Söder, leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), urged for swift results in the ongoing coalition negotiations in Berlin, stating, "This week we must achieve major breakthroughs, particularly regarding the financial structure." His remarks came during a press conference on March 31, 2025. Söder emphasized the necessity for progress, highlighting that the coalition discussions are pressing and should not prolong unnecessarily.

He expressed optimism about reaching a consensus despite existing tensions between the parties involved.

The negotiations are taking place within the '19er-Spitzengruppe,' encompassing the leadership of both the CDU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), including party leaders and several state governors.

The discussions follow the recent approval of a special fund amounting to several hundred billion euros, a move reiterated by both CDU leader Friedrich Merz and SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil, who emphasized that thoroughness should prevail over speed in reaching a coalition accord.

Notable areas of contention have emerged:


Taxation: The SPD advocates for increased taxes on high earners, while Söder has firmly rejected any tax hikes.

The Union is focused on tax relief for businesses and employees.

Pension Reform: The CSU promised in their campaign to expand the 'Mütterrente' benefits to include additional cohorts, which has been considered a secured point in negotiations, though it is expected to incur additional costs of approximately four billion euros.

In exchange, the SPD is pushing for the pension level to be formally established at 48 percent.

Migration Policy: The Union's stance includes initiatives for border repatriations, which has raised legal concerns within the SPD.

Merz has sought to negotiate bilateral agreements with neighboring countries on this issue, although such arrangements could contradict existing EU common policies.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Minister President Manuela Schwesig, representing the SPD, countered any impressions of urgency surrounding the negotiations, stating, "It is important that citizens receive clear guidance on what the new government intends.

Therefore, it is beneficial to take time and ensure thoroughness." She also noted the critical importance of ensuring any proposed measures are sustainably financed.

Friedrich Merz originally aimed for his election as Chancellor to occur by April 23, 2025, ahead of the Easter holiday; however, the protracted negotiations and the necessity for SPD members to approve a coalition with the CDU may push this timeline.

May 7 has emerged as a potential new target date, which coincides with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II the following day.