FDP, Greens, and SPD: A German Government?

This is the first time that the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the classically liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) have decided to join in a so-called ‘traffic-light coalition’ at the federal level.

The three parties are not necessarily natural partners as there are significant ideological differences between them: for example, the SPD and Greens disagree with the FDP on economic and fiscal policy; and the SPD and the FDP disagree with the Greens on elements of environmental policy. Significant compromises in these key policy areas were necessary to bridge the divides. Provided that all three parties successfully ratify the agreement, Olaf Scholz will be elected Chancellor during the week of 6 December.