Germany could be moving closer towards a new government, with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), environmentalist Green Party, and the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) holding their first three-way talks to explore a possible coalition on Thursday.
Until now, the parties have held two-way talks to feel out the likelihood of an alliance, with the SPD’s Olaf Scholz hoping to become Germany’s next chancellor.
What is happening during today’s talks?
Party leaders and high-level members of all three parties are gathering together in Berlin to figure out if they would like to enter coalition negotiations together.
The exploratory talks are expected to last around a week, Reuters reported, citing sources with knowledge of the negotiations.
The SPD and its chancellor candidate, current Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, received the most votes in Germany’s federal election on September 26 — narrowly edging out the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, which has held the chancellery for the past 16 years under Angela Merkel.
The CDU’s chancellor candidate, Armin Laschet, also proposed forming a government with the FDP and the Greens — despite a historically low result for the conservatives.
However, the two smaller parties have now taken a clear step towards the rival SPD.
What are the sticking points?
The largest political overlap is between the SPD and the Greens — particularly on social policy and the environment.
The center-left SPD, however, could face a bumpier road when it comes to agreeing on a path forward with the FDP, particularly on economic policy.
What have the parties said?
Heading into the talks on Thursday, the SPD appeared secure and optimistic.
“I am going into the talks with great confidence,” SPD co-leader Walter Borjans told reporters on Thursday morning.
His optimism was echoed by the party’s general secretary, Lars Klingbeil.
“I’m not even thinking about [the talks] not working out,” Klingbeil told public broadcaster ZDF.
Statements from the Greens focused more on the need for negotiations to be wrapped up quickly — and an openness from potential coalition partners.
“There needs to be mutual trust, that allows the partners to try things out,” Greens co-head Robert Habeck told ZDF, adding that all involved would need to “shut up for a moment” and listen to the others.
The FDP, however, was more cautious — emphasizing that the door was still open for a coalition with the conservatives if the three-way talks with the SPD don’t work out.
“For the FDP, it’s clear that the content overlaps with the [CDU/CSU] union are the largest,” party leader Christian Lindner told public broadcaster ARD on Wednesday evening. While the focus right now is on forming an alliance with the center-left SPD, a coalition under the conservatives “is still a viable option for us.”
rs/wmr (dpa, Reuters)
While you’re here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society, with an eye toward understanding this year’s elections and beyond. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter Berlin Briefing, to stay on top of developments as Germany enters the post-Merkel era.
German election: SPD, Greens and FDP hold first three-way talks to explore possible coalition
Source: Pinoy Pop News
0 Comments