Germany’s Social Democrats to vote on grand coalition with Angela Merkel’s conservatives

Today, Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) begins the process for its 440,000 party members to vote upon a grand coalition agreement with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Combatting enormous internal opposition to the coalition agreement between senior and grassroots members alike, SPD leadership have looked to highlight the significant compromises struck with Chancellor Merkel. These include control over the finance and foreign ministries along with concessions on labour, health and migration policy. With electoral results and public approval at historic lows, the SPD is hoping its power over these key ministries and attempts at progressive Eurozone reform will improve the outlook of its electoral profile. For party leader Martin Schulz, questions over his role in the SPD’s current situation is likely to lead to his replacement and fuel renewed resentment towards the coalition agreement.

Regardless of how SPD members’ vote, the outcome may increase uncertainty regarding the future of both the SPD and the CDU. However, with 2018 looking to be a year of major EU reform, the SPD’s control of Germany’s powerful finance ministry should aid their prospects in Germany and Europe.