Merz Begins Coalition Talks After German Election Victory, Aims for Deal by Mid-April

German election winner Friedrich Merz has initiated informal talks to form a new coalition government, aiming to finalize an agreement within eight weeks, local media reported on Monday. According to Bild newspaper, Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), contacted Lars Klingbeil, parliamentary leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), on Sunday night to explore potential coalition options.

The CDU/CSU secured 28.5% of the vote in Sunday’s general election, emerging as the leading party but falling short of the parliamentary majority needed to govern alone. Despite winning just 16.4% of the vote—its worst result ever—the SPD remains a key potential partner, with a joint coalition securing 328 seats in the Bundestag, surpassing the 316 required for a majority.

While informal discussions are underway, formal coalition talks are expected to begin after the March 6 regional elections in Hamburg. Merz also made it clear that his party will not negotiate with the far-right AfD, which secured a record 20.8% of the vote, citing irreconcilable differences over democratic values and policy issues.