The Bundestag will vote on Tuesday on the candidacy of Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance, which won February’s parliamentary elections, for the post of German chancellor.
If Merz, as expected, receives the necessary number of votes, a new coalition government will be sworn in later on Tuesday.
Merz was nominated after a new “black-red” ruling coalition was formed in April, comprising the CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).
According to Germany’s Basic Law, the candidate for chancellor is nominated by the Federal President of Germany, after which the support of an absolute majority of the members of the Bundestag is required.
Merz is a supporter of a liberal-conservative course. He has repeatedly stated the need to strengthen Germany’s defence capabilities and take a tougher line towards Russia. He has confirmed his intention to continue supporting Ukraine, including with arms supplies. At the same time, he advocates a “realistic dialogue” with NATO allies on ways to resolve the conflict.
In the new government, Boris Pistorius (SPD) will remain defence minister. The finance minister is expected to be Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, who previously headed the SPD faction in the Bundestag. The post of foreign minister will be taken by Johann Waschnewski (CDU). Katherina Reiche (CDU) will become economy minister, and Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) will head the interior ministry.
Challenges for the new government
Among the main challenges facing the new government are slowing economic growth, high inflation and problems in the energy sector.
In addition, migration issues are becoming increasingly difficult in Germany, with the federal states demanding greater involvement from Berlin in solving problems related to the accommodation and integration of refugees.
The process of forming Merz’s government took place against the backdrop of growing popularity of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is currently challenging the decision of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution to classify the AfD as a “right-wing extremist” political force.
Merz’s future cabinet is expected to present an anti-crisis programme in the coming weeks, which should include measures to stimulate business, support the social sector and reform the tax system. The new chancellor’s position is to carry out “pragmatic but decisive” changes aimed at restoring trust in the federal government.
