(de-news.net) – The CDU has approved the coalition agreement with the SPD, which was endorsed on Monday at a small party convention in Berlin with a significant majority. The result paves the way for a new black-red federal government and CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s chancellorship, pending the outcome of the SPD members’ vote.

The CSU had already approved the coalition document over two weeks ago. Following that vote, the CDU has also endorsed the 144-page coalition agreement titled “Responsibility for Germany.” In his speech in Berlin, future Chancellor Merz promised policy changes in economic, migration, foreign, and security matters. He deemed the compromises in the coalition agreement acceptable and announced Germany’s leadership role in the European Union, emphasizing the need to overcome uncertainty within the EU.

The SPD’s approval remains the final step. The SPD’s vote is expected to be less decisive than the Union’s. The Jusos have announced their opposition to the agreement, criticizing the proposed policies on migration, labor, and social issues. Discontent also arose within the SPD base regarding the plan to abolish the eight-hour workday. The members’ decision concludes on Tuesday night, just before midnight.