The Social Democrats supported the coalition agreement in Germany

The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) supported the coalition agreement, which was previously agreed upon by the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Tagesschau writes about this.

This agreement concerns the creation of a new government coalition between the CDU, CSU and SPD, often referred to as "black and red" after the party colors. A total of 84.6% of SPD members voted for it, while 15.4% voted against. Voting ended at midnight.

The turnout was 56% of party members, well above the required minimum of 20%. The SPD leadership believes this shows strong support from rank-and-file party members.

SPD members have been able to vote online since April 15 on the 144-page coalition agreement, titled "Responsibility for Germany". The agreement had already been approved by CSU leaders and CDU congress delegates.

SPD Secretary General Matthias Mirsch said he was very pleased with the results of the vote. He said it was the first nationwide digital vote in the partyʼs history and it went smoothly.

Within the SPD itself, some criticized the coalition agreement, especially because of the planned strengthening of policies in the areas of migration and social protection. The partyʼs youth organization, Jusos, opposed the agreement and called for renegotiations. At the same time, the only other options, besides a coalition of the CDU/CSU and the SPD, were an alliance between the CDU and the far-right AfD party, the formation of a minority government, or new elections.

The CDU, CSU and SPD will sign a coalition agreement next Monday, May 5. On the same day, the SPD plans to announce the names of its seven ministers in the new government.

Party leader Lars Klingbeil is set to become the new vice chancellor and finance minister. He is expected to name the SPD government team by Monday. It is also almost certain that Boris Pistorius will remain defense minister, Tagesschau writes.

The next day, May 6, parliament will vote on the candidacy of Christian Democratic Union leader Friedrich Merz. The election requires the support of a majority of deputies — at least 316 votes.

After his election, Friedrich Merz will receive the official letter of appointment from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Castle. He will then return to the Bundestag, where he will be sworn in. The entire government will likely be sworn in on the same day. The ministers are not elected by the Bundestag — they are also presented with the documents by the president and sworn in in parliament. After that, the new government will officially begin work.

• In the Bundestag elections, Merzʼs Christian Democratic Union party won 29% of the vote and returned to power. He faces very difficult times, as Europe prepares to break off relations with America. In addition, Germany faces domestic problems, including migration.

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