Government formation: coalition negotiations in the shadow of Trump’s tariffs

Under the impression of escalating US trade policy, the coalition negotiations from the CDU, CSU and SPD continue. CDU Federal Vice-Vice Karin Prien and CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt said before continuing the talks in the SPD headquarters in Berlin. However, it initially remained unclear how quickly a conclusion could be achieved. The customs package of US President Donald Trump, with consequences, for the German economy, which is strong of export, should not simplify the talks.

Dobrindt: Task now greater again

Dobrindt emphasized that the drastic US tariffs would greater the economic challenges. “This will ensure that trade relationships come under pressure worldwide.” All the more you have to look at the fact that Germany and Europe could develop economically stable. The goal must therefore be stable growth. “A policy mix has simply taken place, from consolidating, from reforming. It has to succeed. Then we can also consist of what is threatened by the USA. But this task has now increased again.”

In view of the trade war that is now experiencing, Prien said the question of the competitiveness of the German economy for the Union was at the forefront and of great importance. In this sense, the conversations are held.

From this Saturday, the United States will take imports from all countries with tariffs of ten percent. A mechanism of mutual tariffs, which provides for higher taxes for many countries, is also announced.

Prien and Dobrindt: It’s going ahead

With a view to the black and red negotiations, Prien said that they are progressing step by step and well. “It is tedious in detail, but overall there is a common will to really get good results in all policy areas.” The CDU politician also optimistically commented on the schedule: “I think we will be able to largely bring that towards the end of the week.”

Finances were still considered the crucial sticking point. According to Dobrindt, the working group, which is supposed to develop compromise proposals here, lasted late into the night. “I can only say: it goes ahead,” he reported. “It was late, but productive.” The “solution corridors” were “quite well developed”, but now the political decisions are also needed. “But my feeling is that we are on the right track.” When asked whether the entire package could be laced by the end of the week, Dobrindt said that that would be “too optimistic”.

Negotiations between the CDU, CSU and SPD should continue all day – and also on Friday – in changing rounds and constellations. Further dates for the weekend or next week were initially open. SPD boss Saskia Esken had already said on Wednesday: “I am convinced that we will go into the next week.”