Union and SPD: How the coalition negotiations are conducted

The cornerstones of a coalition agreement are now being negotiated by the Union and the SPD on the details. However, the signs are difficult and the timetable is ambitious.

256 women and men in 16 working groups: CDU, CSU and SPD start their coalition negotiations this afternoon. Who negotiates with whom? And which points are particularly controversial? By Corinna Emundts.

Union and SPD clearly state in a paper how the government talks have to take place.

The coalition negotiations between the Union and the SPD are starting in Berlin. "In the exploratory talks, the SPD had the helm in its hands," columnist Gunnar Schupelius says. "The CDU voters are eagerly looking at whether Friedrich Merz is now asserting himself."

After the Union and SPD have successfully completed the exploratory talks, the coalition negotiations will begin this Thursday.

On Thursday, the working groups of the Union and SPD will meet. CDU leader Friedrich Merz will target a new government until Easter, but the SPD members will have to approve a possible coalition before that.