German Elections: Coalition Talks Begin for New Cabinet

germany - Following the early general elections in Germany, CDU/CSU's candidate Friedrich Merz announces swift coalition talks with SPD as cabinet speculations rise.

Coalition Talks for New German Cabinet

After the recent general elections in Germany, CDU/CSU's Friedrich Merz, the winning candidate, has revealed plans to start coalition talks with SPD. Speculations are already circulating about the formation of the new cabinet.

CDU Potential Cabinet Members

• Thorsten Frei, a prominent figure in CDU and known as 'Merz's right-hand man,' is rumored for the Interior Ministry.
• CDU Secretary General Carsten Linnemann is reportedly eyeing the Economy Ministry, although there are objections within the party for him to remain in his current position.
• Alexander Dobrindt, the leader of CDU's sister party in the state parliament, is speculated to take on a significant role such as Finance, Interior, or Defense Ministry.
• CSU's experienced figure Dorothee Bär is seen as a strong candidate for the promised 'Digital Ministry'.

SPD Potential Cabinet Members

• SPD's current Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to have a seat in the cabinet, with uncertainties about his continuation in the Defense Ministry.
• Traditionally, the junior coalition partner assumes the prestigious Foreign Ministry role, where SPD co-chair Lars Klingbeil's name has been mentioned.
• Current Bundestag President and SPD member Barbel Bas is speculated to be a candidate for roles like Construction, Housing, or Labor and Social Affairs Ministry.
• Klingbeil stated in a recent interview with German ZDF that they expect compromises to be made in forming a coalition.