Germany: Merz's government is running out of time

The government in Berlin is under pressure to get major reforms underway. But Merz's coalition partner, the SPD, stands severely weakened following two defeats in state elections, and now finds it hard to compromise.

Key takeaways

Quick scan — what you need to know:

• The government in Berlin is under pressure to get major reforms underway.
• But Merz's coalition partner, the SPD, stands severely weakened following two defeats in state elections, and now finds it hard to compromise.

Background

What led here, in plain terms:

• d to compromise. The government in Berlin is under pressure to get major reforms underway. But Merz's coalition partner, the SPD, stands severely weakened following two defeats in state elections, and now finds it hard…
• Full context often emerges as officials, markets, or courts add updates.

Why it matters

Why readers and decision-makers should care:

• The government in Berlin is under pressure to get major reforms underway.
• But Merz's coalition partner, the SPD, stands severely weakened following two defeats in state elections, and now finds it hard to compromise.