Germany's New Coalition Government Outlines Plans for Economic Growth, Increased Defense Spending, and Migration Control

Friedrich Merz, Germany's incoming leader, announced plans to "make the country move forward again" through investments in the economy and defense. This statement accompanied the presentation of the coalition agreement, which is expected to form a government in early May. Following the CDU/CSU alliance's electoral victory in February, Merz reached an agreement to form a new government with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD). The coalition agreement includes a commitment to significantly increase defense spending amid concerns about the U.S. commitment to European security. The coalition agreement also addresses migration, aiming to curb irregular migration through stricter border controls and increased deportations. The government intends to deport individuals to Syria and Afghanistan, starting with criminals and potentially dangerous individuals.