Germany is at a crossroads, with a new government needing to be formed quickly after the last one was dissolved. The center-right CDU/CSU and the center-left SPD are now negotiating to form a new coalition, but there are significant differences they must overcome. Will they manage to set aside their differences and reach an agreement before the Easter deadline? Let’s dive into the key issues they’re facing.

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Key Issues in Coalition Talks Between CDU/CSU and SPD

Negotiations between Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) have been moving at a fast pace. The two parties have worked together in the past, most recently under Chancellor Angela Merkel, but there are still a number of points they need to work out. These include how to handle the Bundeswehr (Germany’s military), defense spending, and Germany’s relationship with Ukraine and Russia.

Let’s take a closer look at the main issues they need to tackle in order to form a successful coalition.

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Strengthening the Military: A Key Point of Agreement and Disagreement

Both the CDU/CSU and SPD agree that Germany’s military needs significant investment, especially with increasing security concerns in Europe. However, how to strengthen the military is a major point of contention.

The CDU/CSU has proposed massive defense investments, and they are even considering bringing back compulsory military service, which Germany suspended back in 2011. They believe that in today’s security climate, mandatory service is necessary to bolster the Bundeswehr (Germany’s armed forces).

On the other hand, the SPD opposes this idea. They argue that compulsory service is unmanageable in the current environment, particularly given the changing nature of modern warfare. The SPD prefers a model based on voluntary military service, focusing on attracting willing recruits rather than forcing them to serve.

Both parties agree that Germany’s defense needs a significant financial boost, especially as the U.S. appears to be shifting its attention away from Europe. But with this key disagreement about conscription, it’s clear that compromises will need to be made.

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Germany’s Stance on Ukraine: Divided Opinions on Support

Another key area where the CDU/CSU and SPD differ is how to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. While both parties agree that Germany has a moral duty to stand with Ukraine, they have different views on how to best support the country.

The CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, has been more outspoken in favor of sending German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. These long-range missiles could potentially give Ukraine the firepower to strike deeper into Russian territory. Merz has argued that it’s Germany’s responsibility to provide these weapons in order to help Ukraine defend itself.

In contrast, the SPD, under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has been more cautious. Scholz has refused to send these missiles to Ukraine, arguing that doing so could escalate the conflict and risk drawing Germany into the war. This reflects the SPD’s more diplomatic approach, which has historically included policies aimed at maintaining peaceful relations with Russia, such as the famous Ostpolitik (Eastbound Policy) championed by former Chancellor Willy Brandt during the Cold War.

This military aid divide will likely be one of the toughest issues for the two parties to reconcile in their coalition talks.

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Navigating Transatlantic Relations: Can Germany Work with the U.S.?

Both the CDU/CSU and SPD have been deeply concerned by the actions of Donald Trump during his presidency, particularly his disrespectful stance toward NATO and his decision to threaten tariffs on European goods. Both parties agree that the U.S. must remain committed to Europe’s security, especially as tensions with Russia continue.

However, the two parties have different ideas about how to engage with the U.S. going forward. Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU/CSU, has left the door open for a closer relationship with the Trump administration, hoping to win the U.S. back to support European security agreements, including those with Ukraine.

In contrast, the SPD is less enthusiastic about engaging with the Trump administration. Lars Klingbeil, the leader of the SPD, has expressed concern about the U.S.-Germany relationship and its potential consequences for Europe’s security.

Despite these differences, both parties understand the importance of transatlantic relations, and this issue is likely to be a key point of negotiation in their talks.

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Can the CDU and SPD Reach an Agreement?

With so many differences to address, the big question is whether the CDU/CSU and SPD can work together once again. Both parties have a shared history, having governed together in the past, but the current political landscape is much different from what it was in 2021, when Merkel’s government came to an end.

The challenges they face—particularly over issues like military service, defense spending, and foreign policy—are no small obstacles. Still, both parties understand that Germany needs a stable government to face the challenges ahead. With Easter fast approaching, the pressure is on to strike a deal that will keep Germany moving forward.

Both sides will likely have to compromise on some of their positions, but if they can find common ground, it could pave the way for another successful coalition government.

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The Future of Germany’s Coalition

The CDU/CSU and the SPD have a lot of work ahead of them in their coalition talks. They will need to find a way to balance their defense priorities, navigate Germany’s role in supporting Ukraine, and manage the complex relationship with the United States.

While there are significant differences between the two parties, they also share a deep understanding of Germany’s needs and its responsibilities in Europe and the world. By working together and making compromises, they could create a government that is strong enough to tackle Germany’s most pressing issues.

For now, all eyes will be on the negotiations, which will likely continue until the Easter deadline. Will the CDU/CSU and SPD find a way to form a stable government, or will they be forced to go back to the drawing board?

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