The countdown for the SPD member vote is on. Until midnight tonight, SPD members can vote on the coalition agreement. Following the approval of the black-red coalition agreement by the CDU and CSU, all eyes are now on the SPD: until 23:59 tonight, approximately 358,000 party members can still vote on the 144-page document titled "Responsibility for Germany." The results are expected to be announced on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
If everything goes smoothly, CDU leader Friedrich Merz is set to be elected Chancellor on May 6, 2025. In the SPD member survey, not only a majority of votes is required, but a participation of at least 20 percent of party members is necessary. This quorum has already been reached, it was reported on Monday.
However, SPD General Secretary and Juso leader Philipp Türmer insists that members should not become complacent just yet. He reiterated his rejection of the coalition agreement during the program "hart aber fair," arguing for renegotiations. Türmer highlighted concerns about the financing of plans, stating that the 500 billion special assets would not be sufficient. He warned that the financing reservation, which had already caused issues for the previous coalition, is a "ticking time bomb."
On the other hand, SPD politician Stegner defended the coalition agreement, saying that given the poor election results for the Social Democrats, the negotiated outcome is quite decent, featuring important points regarding pensions, work, and housing. He emphasized the planned special assets for investments in the future, which the SPD had campaigned for and which the Union had to accept.
Stegner also pointed out the lack of alternatives to a coalition with the Union, especially in light of the strength of the AfD, which is viewed by some as far-right. He stated, "The SPD has never allowed right-wing radicals to influence governments in its history. And that was a real risk if this government did not come together."
The CDU and CSU have already approved the coalition agreement. The CSU signaled its approval shortly after the agreement in mid-April through an executive decision. On Monday, April 28, 2025, the CDU also agreed at a small party conference, presenting their list of cabinet members. In the new cabinet, men will again be in the majority, with the CDU sending four men and three women, while the CSU sends two men and one woman.
As for the future role of SPD party chair Esken, she remains a contentious figure within the party. It is possible that she could be nominated for federal chair by the federal board even without a nomination from her home association or could spontaneously run for election at a party conference. The party leadership is set to be re-elected in June.
As the SPD members cast their votes on the coalition agreement with the CDU/CSU, the outcome of this vote is crucial. If the SPD members reject the agreement, it could prevent Merz from becoming Chancellor. The uncertainty surrounding what happens next is palpable. The Union could opt for a minority government, or new elections could be called. Other coalition partners aside from the SPD are not available to Merz, as he has ruled out collaboration with the AfD, which garnered the second-most votes in the last federal election.
SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch expressed optimism about the vote, although he acknowledged that there is no visible enthusiasm among SPD members for the coalition agreement. He noted that some members still express distrust towards the future coalition partner, but they also recognize that the contract is not an SPD election program, yet it bears the party's mark.
As the deadline for voting approached, the SPD leadership campaigned vigorously for approval of the coalition agreement. The vote concluded on Tuesday evening, just before midnight, with Miersch set to announce the results on Wednesday morning.
The SPD has a history of member votes on coalition agreements, with significant participation and approval rates in previous years. In 2018, 78.4 percent of members participated, and 66 percent voted in favor, while in 2013, 76 percent approved the coalition with the Union. These past successes contribute to the party's current optimism.
Following the announcement of the vote results, the SPD plans to reveal its ministers for the new federal government on Monday, May 5, 2025, just one day before the planned election of Friedrich Merz as Chancellor. The selection of ministers will consider gender parity, regional representation, and professional qualifications.
As the SPD prepares for this crucial moment, the political landscape remains dynamic. The outcome of the vote could significantly impact the trajectory of German politics. With the stakes so high, party members and leaders alike are keenly aware of their responsibility in shaping the future of the coalition and the country.
In summary, the SPD's member vote on the coalition agreement is not just a formality but a decisive factor in determining the fate of the upcoming government. The results will be closely watched, and their implications will resonate throughout the political arena.
