The Christian Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) began initial exploratory talks on forming a governing coalition earlier today. The main purpose of the first meeting is to define the outline of the issues and the timetable for the process, but it remains open when formal negotiations will begin.

One of the most difficult parts of the negotiations is expected to be the demand by election winner Friedrich Merz to reject asylum seekers at the border, as the SPD believes this is a practice that violates the constitution and the law of the European Union.

In addition, the Christian Social Union (CSU) is calling for the abolition of welfare benefits for those who do not cooperate with the employment services, which is rejected by the SPD, which, on the other hand, is seeking an increase in the minimum wage.

The reform of the “debt brake” is already dividing potential future partners, with the SPD insisting that there is no alternative to funding defence spending and the CSU insisting on keeping it.