CDU/CSU And SPD Progress In Coalition Pre-Negotiations

BERLIN, GERMANY - MARCH 08: Friedrich Merz (C), chancellor designate and leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), Markus Soeder, leader of the Bavarian Christian Democrats (CSU) and Lars Klingbeil (C-L) and Saskia Esken, co-leaders of the German Social Democrats (SPD), arrive to speak to the media to announce progress in their exploratory talks before coalition negotiations on March 08, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. The three parties will likely form the next federal government coalition with Merz as chancellor following recent elections in February. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)