The German opposition, led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is openly signaling a desire to renegotiate the existing coalition agreement with the Social Democrats (SPD), raising questions about the stability and direction of the ruling government. Steffen Bilger, the parliamentary group secretary for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, has proposed a “coalition agreement 2.0” for the second half of the legislative period, a move intended to refresh the working relationship and address perceived shortcomings in the current policy framework.
Bilger’s suggestion, echoed by Minister for the Chancellery, Thorsten Frei, comes as the government faces mounting pressure over economic performance and social reforms. He specifically highlighted the need to revisit the scheduled 2028 implementation of corporate tax cuts, arguing that an earlier introduction would stimulate economic growth. “A quicker implementation would certainly have a positive impact on economic development” he stated, adding that a discussion on financing the change is warranted.
The proposal goes beyond purely economic adjustments. Bilger has emphasized the need for broader social reforms, focusing particularly on healthcare. He indicated strong support for a comprehensive healthcare overhaul in 2026, hinting at measures previously discussed, including the introduction of a patient co-payment – a “practice fee” – to curb what he described as an excess of expensive doctor’s visits. Such a proposal is likely to provoke significant debate, given concerns about access to healthcare for lower-income citizens.
While Bilger expressed optimism for an improved coalition dynamic in 2026, citing a period of adjustment and nascent trust, he also pointed to significant internal hurdles impeding progress. He specifically criticized the slow pace of legislative processes, referencing the delayed debate on the controversial “Bürgergeld” (Basic Income Benefit), which is only now scheduled to be addressed by the Bundestag. Notably, he directed this criticism beyond the SPD, indicating a broader systemic problem within the government’s ability to enact policy.
The CDU’s initiative indicates a growing dissatisfaction within the opposition regarding the current course of the government and signals a potential power play aimed at shaping the political agenda for the latter half of the legislative term. The SPD’s response will be crucial in determining whether this push for a renewed coalition agreement will lead to meaningful policy changes or further exacerbate tensions within the ruling alliance. The willingness of the SPD to engage in substantive renegotiation could prove a key indicator of the coalition’s long-term viability.
