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
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is ready to completely withdraw from the governmental scene in the Gaza Strip and engage in a positive and constructive manner with the second phase of the plan to end the war in the enclave, said Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim on Friday. In a statement, Naim said that the ceasefire deal became an international plan after being adopted by the United Nations Security Council. However, it is now facing obstacles.
He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reneging on his commitments and escalating the situation, in an attempt to return to war and save his political career. Pointing out that Israeli strikes have caused hundreds of casualties since the announcement of the ceasefire, the Hamas official said the escalation cannot occur without cover or green light from the United States. He said Hamas has committed to all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, as attested by the mediators and the U.S., adding that it is ready for the second phase of the agreement.
He emphasized the Movement's commitment to the establishment of a fully empowered Palestinian body to administer Gaza, and its complete withdrawal from the governmental scene.
Naim warned that the situation will not be sustainable if the continued escalation of Israeli military operations and the persistence of the catastrophic humanitarian situation remain unaddressed, adding that the circle of fire may expand, which is what Netanyahu aspires to.
Since a ceasefire took effect on Oct 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 439 with 1,223 injuries, according to local health authorities on Friday. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,409 Palestinians have been killed and 171,304 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.
Hamas ready for complete withdrawal from Gaza governmental scene: official
