BERLIN - The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) began their first round of exploratory coalition talks on Friday, marking a crucial step toward forming Germany's next government following the recent federal election.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who aims to become Chancellor, has set an ambitious timeline to form a government by Easter. The initial talks, which began slightly delayed at the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus in Berlin, involve nine representatives from each party [1][2].

'The sondierung talks have begun in an open and constructive atmosphere,' announced the party general secretaries after the first session. Finance Minister Jörg Kukies provided an overview of the federal budget situation to the assembled teams [1].

Key points of negotiation include:

Migration policy - with the CDU pushing for stricter border controls while SPD considers some measures unconstitutionalEconomic revival - differing approaches on tax relief versus investment incentivesSocial policy - particularly regarding reforms to the current Bürgergeld systemDebt brake reforms and potential special funding for military spending

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) emphasized the need for compromise: 'Both sides must move toward each other, everyone must pull together and be willing to change' [2].

The coalition would hold a slim majority of twelve seats in the Bundestag, with CDU/CSU having 208 seats and SPD 120 seats [1]. Any agreement would require approval from both parties, with the SPD planning to hold a membership vote on any final coalition agreement.