A Streamlined Coalition Agreement: Less is More for CDU/CSU and SPD

The CDU/CSU and SPD are urged to simplify their coalition agreement, suggesting that a concise document of three pages should suffice. Lengthy negotiations and overly detailed agreements have become a ritual that drains energy and resources, often leading to complications as circumstances shift.

With pressing issues like the debt brake on the agenda, there is a need for expediency. The current Bundestag may be called upon to assist the future government, yet it raises questions about why an outgoing parliament should intervene in matters that the new assembly will ultimately handle.

When addressing the debt brake, it is crucial that the Bundestag has clarity on the specific reforms needed. The CDU/CSU and SPD must navigate defense spending challenges while adhering to fiscal constraints. Utilizing special funds presents a viable option, but amendments to the constitution may be required, making it imperative for the current Bundestag to act while it remains functional.

The urgency for swift action cannot be overstated. The partnership between CDU/CSU and SPD should abandon the exhaustive rituals of coalition formation that have characterized the past two decades. Lengthy discussions over intricate details are unnecessary, as they often become obsolete in the face of changing political landscapes.

The previous coalition agreement between the governing parties serves as a cautionary tale. It quickly became irrelevant, demonstrating that extensive agreements can lead to gridlock and inefficiency. A historical perspective reveals that simpler agreements can lead to more stable and effective governance.

In the past, a brief two-page agreement with essential points sufficed to establish successful coalitions. While today's complexities may require more than two pages, three should be adequate for outlining critical priorities. The pressing challenges facing the upcoming Merz government include issues related to Ukraine, economic growth, and migration, which are paramount for the future of Europe.

In this context, a streamlined approach to coalition agreements could pave the way for a more productive and responsive government, focusing on the most pressing matters rather than getting bogged down in lengthy negotiations.