New German Government Begins Work: First Decisions Expected Tonight

The newly formed German government, a coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD, is wasting no time in getting to work. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil of the SPD announced that the first decisions of the new government are expected to be made tonight. Speaking to ARD, a German public broadcaster, Klingbeil stated, "We will meet tonight in the new cabinet, we will make the first decisions. It’s starting now, and we have hard work ahead of us."

The first meeting of the new cabinet took place late this evening. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) presided over the meeting held in the Chancellery. The gathering, scheduled for 10:00 PM, included the 17 ministers who will lead the various government departments. A key item on the agenda was the new organizational decree, which outlines the distribution of responsibilities within the government. This document is crucial for establishing clear lines of authority and ensuring the smooth functioning of the coalition.

The formation of the new government experienced an unexpected delay earlier in the day. Chancellor Merz failed to secure a majority in the initial vote held in the Bundestag, the German parliament. This unforeseen hurdle pushed back the start of the government’s work by several hours. Merz was finally elected as Chancellor in the second round of voting later in the afternoon.

The delay in the election process prompted speculation about the reasons behind Merz’s initial failure to secure the necessary votes. However, Vice Chancellor Klingbeil dismissed these speculations in his ARD interview. He emphasized the ultimate outcome of the day, stating, "The decisive thing at the end of this day is: We have a new Chancellor, who has been elected." Klingbeil’s remarks suggest a desire to move past the initial difficulties and focus on the challenges ahead.

The fact that the cabinet is meeting so soon after the election underscores the urgency with which the new government views its tasks. The coalition faces a wide range of pressing issues, both domestic and international. These include addressing rising energy costs, managing the ongoing economic challenges, navigating the complexities of foreign policy, and tackling climate change. The organizational decree is likely to reflect the government’s priorities in these areas, assigning specific responsibilities to different ministries.

The coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD outlines the broad policy goals of the new government. However, the organizational decree will provide a more detailed framework for implementing these policies. It will specify which ministry is responsible for which aspects of each policy area, ensuring that there is no overlap or duplication of effort.

The selection of ministers to head the various government departments is also a key factor in the success of the new coalition. Chancellor Merz has assembled a team of experienced politicians and experts who are expected to work together effectively to address the challenges facing Germany. The ministers represent a range of perspectives and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the German population.

The new government’s ability to deliver on its promises will depend on its ability to build consensus and cooperation between the CDU/CSU and SPD. The two parties have different traditions and priorities, and it will be necessary for them to find common ground in order to achieve their goals. The organizational decree will play a crucial role in facilitating this cooperation by establishing clear procedures for decision-making and conflict resolution.

The late-night cabinet meeting signals the start of a demanding period for the new government. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as the coalition begins to implement its policies and address the pressing issues facing Germany. The success of the government will depend on its ability to work together effectively, to build consensus across party lines, and to deliver tangible results for the German people. The decisions made tonight will set the tone for the new government’s approach to these challenges and will provide a first glimpse into its policy priorities. The political landscape in Germany is shifting, and all eyes are on this new coalition to see how it will navigate the complexities of governing in a rapidly changing world.