Germany set for new government as mainstream parties sign coalition deal
Al Jazeera7 days
Germany: Friedrich Merz-led CDU-SPD Coalition Signs Pact
Above: Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, signs the coalition deal in Berlin, Germany, on May 5, 2025. Image copyright: Krisztian Bocsi/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The new coalition represents a return to responsible governance focused on economic revival and national security. Merz's business background brings much-needed expertise to address Germany's economic stagnation. The government's commitment to infrastructure investment and defense spending demonstrates a pragmatic approach to Germany's most pressing challenges.
Opposition narrative
This coalition of traditional parties is merely an establishment attempt to block the AfD while ignoring the legitimate concerns driving its popularity. The designation of AfD as "extremist" despite their vast popularity represents democratic overreach. The new government faces skepticism about whether former executives can effectively lead ministries, and has already faced an unprecedented drop in public support before even beginning governance.