Germany Social Democrats supported a treaty for a coalition with CDU/CSU conservatives, the party said on Wednesday (30), surpassing the last obstacle to the formation of a new government in Europe’s largest economy.
The conservative-SPD coalition was the only way to a majority government after both major parties suffered heavy defeats in the February federal elections. Both ruled out the possibility of rule with the Ultracereita Alternative Party for Germany (AFD), which won a history of second place.
In the last two weeks, SPD members have voted for the coalition treaty prepared by the leaders of both parties. Its approval, which was expected, would allow conservative leader Friedrich Merz to become a chancellor on May 6.
In the vote, which ended on Tuesday (29) shortly before midnight, 84% of the members who participated were in favor of the agreement, the party said, adding that 56% of about 360,000 members participated in the vote.
“In these very difficult times in global politics, we are responsible for our safety, economic growth, job security and equal opportunities,” the party secretary general, Matthias Miersch, told an email statement.
Revitalizing Europe’s largest economy is one of the main priorities of Germany’s upcoming government amid fears that a trade war triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariff ads could further damage its export -oriented economy.
Despite the historic low of 16.4% of SPD votes, political experts say it has secured important gains in the coalition agreement, leveraging the lack of alternative paths from conservatives to the championship for the next four years.
The next coalition intends, for example, to invest heavily in Germany infrastructure, increase the minimum wage to 15 euros (about R $ 96.00) per hour, keep pensions in 48% of the current average salary and extend the roof of rents, according to the coalition contract.
The SPD also secured the coveted ministry of finance, along with six other positions in the office.
SPD concessions on stricter migration rules and cuts in unemployment benefits, as well as their inability to guarantee tax increases to the rich, however, attracted harsh criticism of the influential young party wing, whose leaders asked members to reject the agreement.
This content was originally published in Scholz’s party supports conservatives for new government in Germany on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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