Ringen um Reformen: „Gut war's“: Koalition kommt ohne Nachtsitzung aus

The coalition of the Union and SPD concluded their discussions in the Koalitionsausschuss on the future reform course after about four hours of intense deliberation. At 10:08 PM, CSU leader Markus Söder left the Chancellor's office, followed by SPD chairman Lars Klingbeil a minute later. Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz also called it a day at around 11:00 PM.

Details of the outcome are expected to be released on Thursday morning, possibly in written form, according to Koalition sources. A press conference is not planned for this occasion. The main topics of the meeting included the implementation of reforms already approved in July and the 2027 budget. Union faction leader Thorsten Frei stated upon leaving the Chancellor's office, "Gut war s."

The mood was described as "good" and "very constructive" by another source, with the proceedings described as "not spectacular." This was the first meeting since over three months, following the Union and SPD's significant losses in the September state elections. Chancellor Merz had requested a reaffirmation to the agreed reform course despite the losses.

The SPD had requested changes to the package, including a uniform pension after 45 contributions. While significant content agreements were reached, comprehensive implementation by Christmas is deemed unlikely. Merz indicated he does not expect a complete implementation by Christmas but hopes to have the package finalized in the spring of the following year.

The Koalitionsfraktionen heads had agreed earlier in August to bring the entire package before the Bundestag by the end of the year. It contains regulations for pensions, care, the labor market, and taxes. Following the elections, coalition stress is anticipated in Saxony-Anhalt and Berlin. In Saxony-Anhalt, an AfD politician was elected as Landtagspräsident in a secret vote, with speculation that he may have received CDU votes.

The SPD is in turmoil over the possibility that the SPD might form a coalition with the left party in Berlin. The Union views the Berlin left party as potentially antisemitic and left-extremist. According to CSU Landesgruppenchef Alexander Hoffmann, this contradicts the coalition agreement, which excludes cooperation with "unconstitutional" and "anti-democratic" parties.