Germany's conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) on Saturday announced their intention to enter formal coalition negotiations, following the conclusion of exploratory talks.
The talks, which lasted for over a week after the federal election on Feb 23, produced a paper outlining the basis for the two parties to form a coalition government.
CDU leader and likely the next Chancellor Friedrich Merz Saturday told a press conference that agreements had been reached in a number of key policy areas including migration, finance, and economic issues.
Regarding migration, the parties agreed on the possibility of rejecting asylum seekers at land borders, as well as strengthened border controls.
They also agreed to reform the social benefits system for the unemployed.
According to the announcements, the two parties would also focus on reducing energy costs to boost the country's economy.
Earlier this week, the CDU/CSU and the SPD announced an agreement on a 500 billion euro (542 billion U.S. dollars) package to provide infrastructure investments, as well as a plan to exempt defense spending from constitutionally enshrined debt brake.
In the German federal parliamentary election, the CDU/CSU took the lead in votes, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came in second, and the SPD ranked third.
Germany's CDU/CSU, SPD agree to begin coalition negotiations
Germany's CDU/CSU, SPD agree to begin coalition negotiations
Germany's CDU/CSU, SPD agree to begin coalition negotiations
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
