Migration, citizen's income, debt brake: sticking points in coalition talks
Initially, exploratory talks with the SPD are being discussed – this would be the only possible second coalition after the election result.
After winning the federal election, Merz had already announced a meeting with SPD leader Lars Klingbeil on Monday about the transition phase. The CDU leader said that he expected that "the federal government would no longer make any decisions that are permanent without our involvement." This also applies to personnel decisions.
However, it is unclear whether a black-red coalition will emerge. Both sides differ in areas such as migration, citizen's income, climate protection, the reform of the debt brake and the right to vote. An overview of possible sticking points:
The Union wants to keep the goal of climate neutrality by 2045 "in sight" , but points to the need to maintain the competitiveness of the economy. It wants to abolish the EU requirements for moving away from the combustion engine as well as the heating law of the traffic light government. It is also considering a return to the use of nuclear power. Climate money to relieve citizens, as called for by the SPD, is not in the Union's election manifesto - but Merz spoke out in favor of it shortly before the election.
are calling for a significant tightening of migration policy in order to prevent so-called irregular migration. In addition to permanent controls at the country's borders, this also includes rejections at the borders without exception - including of asylum seekers. The SPD still believes that this is neither compatible with the Basic Law nor with EU law. In addition, the Union wants to suspend family reunification for those entitled to subsidiary protection who have not been granted asylum but can stay for the time being. The Social Democrats want to continue to make this possible.
The SPD and the Greens are demanding that the old Bundestag pass a reform of the debt brake in order to enable necessary expenditure, especially for the Bundeswehr and support for Ukraine. This is because the new Bundestag would probably no longer have a two-thirds majority for the necessary amendment to the Basic Law. The Union is not yet prepared to do this and, according to its election manifesto, wants to stick to the debt brake. A possible compromise could be another special fund - similar to the 100 billion euro pot for the Bundeswehr of the traffic light government.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz wants to completely cut off the benefits of " total objectors " who refuse to work with the employment agency. To do this, Merz is prepared to take legal action before the Federal Constitutional Court. He wants to abolish the term "citizen's allowance" and replace it with "new basic security". The SPD, on the other hand, is sticking with the citizen's allowance. However, it wants to place much greater emphasis on the right work incentives, more advice and checks to see whether job offers are actually taken up.
The Union does not want to raise the minimum wage from the current 12.82 euros per hour through a political decision. The independent minimum wage commission, which is made up of the social partners, will continue to adjust the wage floor regularly. The SPD, on the other hand, is calling for an increase to 15 euros by 2026 at the latest. In the SPD-led traffic light coalition, the minimum wage had already been raised to twelve euros by a political decision.
The CDU/CSU want to reduce corporate taxes in several steps to a maximum of 25 percent, while the SPD wants to support companies through depreciation on investments. When it comes to income tax, the Union is aiming to flatten the rate and wants to significantly increase the income limit for the top tax rate. In addition, the solidarity tax is to be abolished completely. The SPD, for its part, wants to reduce income tax for 95 percent of taxpayers, but top earners should pay a higher contribution.
The SPD wants to guarantee a pension level of at least 48 percent on a permanent basis . According to the election manifesto, the CDU/CSU want to keep the pension level and contribution rate stable "through economic growth". During the election campaign, the SPD accused Merz of accepting a reduction in pensions.
Merz has long made it clear that he would also supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles. The SPD categorically rejects this because it fears an escalation in the conflict with Russia. However, whether the issue will play a role in coalition talks is questionable in view of the dynamic developments resulting from US President Donald Trump's push with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin to end the conflict.
The SPD wants to offer the Deutschlandticket permanently at the current price, supplemented by reduced rates for families, students or older people. CDU leader Merz is in principle in favor of continuing the service, but expressly makes thissubject to possible financing , which is only secured for this year.
The Union wants to change the electoral law reformed by the traffic light government under SPD leadership. The reason is that 18 of their constituency winners did not get into the Bundestag in Sunday's election. This is because this currently depends on whether the direct mandates at the state level are also covered by the parties' share of the time vote.
taz
