BERLIN - The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) began their first round of coalition talks on February 28, 2025, facing significant challenges in forming Germany's next government [1].

The potential coalition holds a slim majority of just 12 seats in parliament, with recent reports indicating at least eight SPD members may oppose CDU leader Friedrich Merz as Chancellor [1]. SPD parliamentarian Sebastian Roloff suggested the number of skeptical members could be even higher, citing concerns over the CDU's previous cooperation with the AfD [2].

The initial four-and-a-half-hour meeting was described as 'open and constructive' by party representatives [1]. Finance Minister Jörg Kukies provided an overview of the country's fiscal situation during the talks, which will inform future discussions [2].

CDU leader Merz has set an ambitious timeline, aiming to form a government by Easter. 'I will do everything from the Union's side to achieve good cooperation,' Merz told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung [1].

Key challenges facing the potential coalition include differences over migration policy, debt limits, and Ukraine policy [3]. Regional representation has also emerged as a priority, with calls from eastern German leaders for greater representation in any future cabinet [1].

The next round of talks is scheduled for no later than Thursday, with Tuesday also under consideration [2]. Both parties have acknowledged the need to overcome campaign-period tensions, with SPD Minister-President Manuela Schwesig emphasizing that 'both sides must move toward each other' [3].