CDU Approves Coalition Deal

Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) on Monday approved a coalition deal with the Social Democrats (SPD), clearing another hurdle on the path to forming the next government, CE Report quotes MIA.

A majority of delegates at a small party conference in Berlin voted in favour of the 144-page agreement, titled "Responsibility for Germany."

The conservative bloc, which also includes the CDU's Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), agreed on a deal to form the next German government earlier this month.

With the CSU already having approved the agreement, all eyes will now be on the centre-left SPD, whose 358,000 members have until late Tuesday to vote on the agreement.

If they approve it, Merz is set to be elected the next German chancellor by parliament on May 6.

Earlier on Monday, the conservative bloc already revealed its picks for Cabinet, with the Foreign Ministry going to seasoned policy expert Johann Wadephul.

Katherina Reiche, a politician-turned-manager, is set to become the next German economy minister, faced with the mammoth task of reviving the sputtering economy following two consecutive years of recession.