Following the CDU’s victory in Rhineland‑Palatinate, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed the joint reform agenda with the SPD in the new government. Speaking on Monday after the Christian Democrats’ parliamentary caucus in Berlin, he said the election result was a “motivation” and urged the coalition to move forward together. “We know we have to act, and we want to act together” Merz said, adding that more must be done than the original coalition agreement specifies, especially regarding growth, competition and employment.
Merz emphasized that, as CDU chairman, he has strong views but wants to discuss and advance them jointly with the SPD. “In the Berlin coalition, we must now create policies that serve the working population-both employees and small‑to‑medium businesses” he added.
He called for a concerted effort in the coming months to reduce burdens on households and companies across Germany. “I look forward to working with the coalition, with courage and confidence, for the good of our country” Merz said, expressing a fair degree of optimism. He acknowledged that the SPD was still adjusting to the Mainz election outcome but stressed that success hinges on focusing on the country’s real problems and working together.
