One year of black-red coalition in Germany – how should it end?

One year into the "black-red" coalition, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) observes a German government that appears to be limping along, lacking enthusiasm and facing internal strife. The alliance between the CDU and SPD, seemingly forged out of necessity rather than conviction, is proving to be a difficult partnership.

Within the CDU, there's a palpable desire to explore exit strategies, especially if promised reforms fail to materialize and the SPD faces electoral setbacks in the East. The article highlights a recent incident where Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly suggested abolishing the May 1st holiday, a move that deeply offended the SPD and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil. This suggests a pattern of provocation and strained relations, fueling speculation about the coalition's longevity.

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Four years of Black-Red? "Certainly not."

The NZZ draws parallels to past German governments, noting that while some coalitions have struggled, the current one seems particularly listless. The prospect of the coalition collapsing before its term is up, leading to either a minority government or new elections, is a significant topic of discussion. From a Swiss perspective, observing the internal dynamics and potential instability of Europe's largest economy offers a unique vantage point on the challenges of grand coalition politics.

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Union and SPD? "They simply don't fit together at the end of the day."