Germany is on the verge of a significant political shift as the conservative-led coalition prepares to take the reins from the outgoing government. On May 5, 2025, the CDU/CSU faction in the Bundestag elected Jens Spahn as its new leader, marking a pivotal moment for the party. This election comes just a day before Friedrich Merz is set to be sworn in as the new chancellor, officially taking over from Olaf Scholz, whose tenure lasted just over three years.
Spahn, a former health minister, was elected with overwhelming support, securing over 90% of the votes. His election is seen as a strategic move as the CDU/CSU aims to solidify its position as the strongest faction in the Bundestag, holding a total of 208 seats out of 630. This coalition, which includes the Social Democratic Party (SPD), has been referred to as a "community of responsibility" by CSU leader Markus Söder, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of rising political extremism.
At the signing of the coalition agreement, titled "Responsibility for Germany," Merz expressed his commitment to leading the coalition toward success, stating, "We know that it is our almost historical obligation to lead this coalition to success. We are determined to do this together." The agreement outlines a roadmap for the next four years, focusing on reviving Germany's economy and addressing national security concerns amid changing global dynamics.
One of the coalition's pressing challenges is the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which recently launched a legal battle against being labeled as "right-wing extremist" by Germany's domestic intelligence agency. The AfD's controversial status has sparked heated discussions, especially after U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, criticized the classification as "tyranny in disguise." In response, Berlin has firmly rejected these claims, defending the intelligence agency's assessment.
Meanwhile, the AfD's former leader, Frauke Petry, has announced plans to establish a new party, aiming to fill what she perceives as a gap in the political landscape for an anti-statist, pro-freedom option. Petry, who previously led the AfD from 2013 until her departure in 2017, has called for a drastic reduction of the public spending quota, which stood at 49.5% last year, to 25% over five years.
As the political landscape evolves, the partnership between Berlin and Tel Aviv has also taken a significant step forward. On the same day, the mayors of both cities signed an agreement to become partner cities, reinforcing their commitment to cooperation despite their differing historical backgrounds. Berlin's mayor, Kai Wegner, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that it sets an example for tolerance and diversity.
In a separate but noteworthy event, Germany's Holocaust memorial, a poignant reminder of the country's past, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. The memorial, consisting of 2,711 concrete steles, serves as a commitment from Germany to never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust, coinciding with the upcoming 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
In a lighter moment, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to be honored with a military farewell ceremony featuring a playlist of songs he selected to reflect his mood and political journey. The Beatles' "In My Life," Johann Sebastian Bach, and Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Respect" will be performed as he transitions power to Merz. Scholz's choices have sparked discussions about his emotional side, often overshadowed by his reputation for being somewhat robotic in his responses.
As Germany prepares for this new chapter, the coalition government faces the dual challenge of addressing pressing social issues while navigating an increasingly polarized political environment. With a focus on economic revival and national security, the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition is poised to make significant strides in the coming years.
As the new government takes shape, the eyes of Europe and the world will be watching closely. The coalition's success will not only define Germany's trajectory but also influence the broader European political landscape amid rising populism and shifting alliances.
