Germany has officially formed a new government six months after the collapse of the previous coalition, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) at the helm. The new coalition, comprising the CDU, CSU, and SPD, was sworn in at the Bundestag about ten weeks following the federal election. With the cabinet now in place, Merz and his team can begin implementing their agenda, which includes significant bureaucratic reforms.
During the first cabinet meeting held shortly after the swearing-in, the government announced its intention to eliminate 25 government commissioners and coordinators, signaling a commitment to reducing bureaucratic overhead. The cabinet consists of 18 ministers, including ten men and eight women, with both the CDU and SPD contributing seven ministers each, while the CSU provides three. Lars Klingbeil (SPD) serves as the Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance.
Merz's election as Chancellor was not without its challenges; he was elected in a second round of voting after falling short of the necessary 316 votes in the first round by six votes. The new government faces immediate scrutiny regarding its policies on migration and its approach to international relations, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a recent visit to Brussels, Merz emphasized that the government has not declared a state of emergency regarding irregular migration. He acknowledged some confusion surrounding the issue but clarified that Germany would enhance border controls in compliance with European law. "We will intensify our controls at the borders and continue to turn people back, but this is all in line with European law," Merz stated.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced stricter border controls aimed at reducing the number of refugees entering Germany. This plan includes deploying more federal police to border areas and implementing measures to turn back asylum seekers. Dobrindt referenced Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which allows for deviations from EU law to maintain public order and internal security.
Despite these announcements, government spokesman Stefan Kornelius has denied that a state of emergency has been declared. He emphasized that the term does not appear in Article 72, and the government is committed to transparent communication with neighboring countries about its border policy.
As the government grapples with migration issues, calls for increased military support for Ukraine are gaining traction. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP), chair of the European Parliament's Defense Committee, has urged Merz to take decisive action by delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. She expressed her expectation that the new Chancellor would take on a leadership role in Europe, addressing the urgent need for military supplies alongside humanitarian aid.
Former Munich Security Conference head Christoph Heusgen praised the new government's signals regarding Ukraine, stating that they want to continue supporting the country and clarify the roles of aggressor and victim in the ongoing conflict. Heusgen believes the new administration is on the right track with its foreign policy.
However, the tightening of border controls has raised concerns among police unions. According to Andreas Roßkopf, head of the Police Union (GdP), officers will be instructed to turn back all asylum seekers except for pregnant women, the sick, and unaccompanied minors. This practice has been confirmed by Heiko Teggatz from the DPolG union, who stated that officers will now send back all refugees, barring vulnerable individuals. These statements, however, contradict Merz's earlier assertion that border controls would resemble those during the European Football Championship last year, where asylum seekers were not turned away.
As the government prepares for its first major parliamentary session, Merz is set to deliver a government statement outlining his administration's priorities. General Secretary Carsten Linnemann has indicated that this address could be one of Merz's most significant speeches of the year, as he aims to present an "Agenda 2030" focused on economic revitalization, reducing bureaucracy for skilled workers, and lowering taxes and energy costs.
In the realm of foreign affairs, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) has initiated discussions with his US counterpart Marco Rubio, focusing on shared priorities such as ending the war in Ukraine and potentially increasing European defense spending. Wadephul described their conversation as "excellent," emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic partnership for peace and security.
Merz's recent phone call with US President Donald Trump also highlighted their agreement on the need for a quick resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders have committed to a close collaboration to address this pressing issue and to resolve ongoing trade disputes.
As the new government embarks on its term, it faces the dual challenge of managing domestic migration policies while simultaneously navigating complex international relations. The SPD has expressed support for Dobrindt's asylum policy, with party officials stating that the planned reinforcement of border police aligns with their coalition agreement.
In contrast, some officials, like Sonja Eichwede (SPD), have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of large-scale returns of asylum seekers at the borders, citing potential legal challenges. Dobrindt's expansion of police discretion does not guarantee immediate changes in practice, as the complexities of European law will continue to play a crucial role in determining the government's actions.
The new administration's approach to migration and international relations will undoubtedly shape its legacy, as it attempts to balance domestic concerns with the expectations of its European partners. With significant discussions ahead regarding the future of Germany's role in Europe and its stance on migration, all eyes will be on Merz and his cabinet as they navigate these critical issues.
