(de-news.net) – The CDU/CSU and the SPD have initiated coalition negotiations on Thursday evening at the Konrad-Adenauer-Haus. At 6 PM, the chief negotiators from CDU, CSU, and SPD convened at the CDU headquarters for discussions involving 16 working groups. Additionally, the central coalition negotiation committee, referred to as the ’19-Member Group,’ is also in session.

The CDU/CSU and the SPD have established guidelines for the negotiations, emphasizing confidentiality and prohibiting public communication, including press statements and interim updates, according to media reports. Working groups were instructed to finalize their tasks by March 24, 2025, and submit preliminary agendas by March 16 already, identifying potential points of contention. The guidelines stressed resolving disputes within the groups, with external escalation as a last resort, and required financial measures to be documented in tables. Specific formatting rules for outcome documents were outlined. Meetings were designated to take place in the Bundestag or the parties’ headquarters.