CDU/CSU And SPD Sign Coalition Contract, Pave Way For New Government

BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 5: Friedrich Merz (C), leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Markus Soeder (C-L), leader of the CDU'S Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), Lars Klingbeil (C-R) and Saskia Esken (R), co-leaders of the German Social Democrats (SPD), stand on stage with members of the new federal coalition government after the three parties signed the coalition contract between the parties on May 5, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. The coalition contract, which the three parties have negotiated over the past weeks, sets the police framework for the next federal coalition government. The new government is scheduled to be sworn in during a special session of the Bundestag on May 6. (Footage by Christian Ender/Getty Images)